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As stated in the power alert issued last night, Stage 1 rotational loadshedding is currently being implemented until 09:00 this morning as a result of a shortage of capacity, with a number of generating units still out of service due to breakdowns. Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 09:00 until 23:00 tonight. Loadshedding is required all day today to cater for further trips and to create capacity to replenish water reserves for our pumped storage schemes. Eskom will communicate if there is a change in the system during the day.

With unplanned breakdowns at 11 780MW as at 07:00 today, we continue to utilise water resources at our pumped storage schemes, to supplement capacity. We have not used any of our open cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) yesterday and are not planning to use them today in order conserve our emergency reserves for the coming week.

We continue to ask customers to reduce demand as a concerted collective effort can help to avoid or lessen the level of loadshedding. As we are experiencing rainy and cooler weather conditions in some parts of the country, we ask that you use efficient heating to keep warm and switch off your geysers over peak periods.

We will keep South Africans informed about the status of the electricity system and our recovery efforts throughout this period.

Eskom customers can check their loadshedding schedules on the Eskom website (loadshedding.eskom.co.za) or through the customer contact centre on 0860037566.

We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience during this difficult period.

Issued by Eskom