Locals may once again have to dine by candlelight – Eskom has announced that Stage 1 rotational load shedding will likely be taking place across the country until the end of this week.
In an official release, Eskom confirmed that there would be a high risk of Stage 1 load shedding being implemented “from 2pm until 10pm today as a result of a shortage of generating capacity”.
Load shedding will continue until the end of this week and Eskom says that it hopes to reduce the risk of electricity cuts next week but that they will likely happen tomorrow as well as today.
Eskom adds that “The load shedding risk… will continue over the weekend as there is a need to replenish emergency reserves (water and diesel) to limit the possibility and magnitude of load shedding in the following week.”
The national provider assures locals that electricity cuts will only be carried out if “absolutely necessary”.
“We remind customers that load shedding is a controlled measure which protects the power system from a total collapse or blackout.”
Residents are encouraged to use electricity sparingly.
“Please switch off geysers, pool pumps as well as all non-essential lighting and electric appliances to assist in reducing demand.”
Schedules for load shedding can be found here and customers can contact 0860 037 566 if they have any queries.
“Eskom will continue to provide regular updates about the state of the power system through various media platforms.”
#POWERALERT 1
Thursday, 28 February 2019There’s an increased risk of Stage 1 rotational loadshedding from 2pm to 10pm today, with the risk of loadshedding remaining untilp end of the weekend @CityPowerJhb @City_Ekurhuleni @CityTshwane @CityofCT @ewnupdates @SABCNewsOnline pic.twitter.com/WyH7WBuq1k
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) February 28, 2019
Picture: Pexels