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The power system is tight this morning and we are currently using diesel turbines to supplement capacity as we await the return of some generation units from maintenance. However, the risk of loadshedding is low. Unplanned breakdowns were at 13 337 MW as at 07:30 this morning, which is slightly lower than yesterday.

We expect five units totalling just under 2 000 MW to come back on line during the course of the day, which we can then utilise in the place of our emergency resources. We are doing everything possible to avoid loadshedding, but we are mindful that it should not be at all cost. It is for this reason that we have put emphasis on improving the effectiveness of our maintenance regime and work toward keeping unplanned outages below 9 500 MW.

We request our customers to work with us by reducing their demand while we work on stabilising the power system. Switch off appliances that keep on using electricity while you are not at home. Appliances on standby or sleep mode can consume as much as 15% of full power. Did you know that the biggest electricity guzzler is the geyser? It uses up to 50% of your electricity monthly so switch it off especially between 17:00 and 21:00 to help avoid loadshedding, save money and the environment.

Issued by Eskom