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The system remains constrained and vulnerable, with generating plant performing at very low levels of reliability. With unplanned breakdowns increasing today, above 11 000MW as at 21h00, the probability of loadshedding remains for tomorrow, but will only be implemented if absolutely necessary. There is sufficient diesel for our open cycle gas turbines and water at the pumped storage schemes to supplement the shortage of capacity, if necessary.

The Emergency Response Command Centre (ERCC) continues to monitor the system on the hour. Eskom wishes to remind customers that any unexpected shift, such as additional unplanned breakdowns or the unavailability of diesel for open cycle gas turbines or water levels at pumped storage schemes, could result in loadshedding at short notice.

As communicated in the Summer Plan on 4 of September 2019, unplanned breakdowns above 9 500 MW require the use of emergency resources at a high rate and they increase the probability of loadshedding if the supply constraints are sustained for a long duration.

Eskom’s technical teams are working tirelessly to return units from planned and unplanned maintenance and to replenish emergency reserves.

A concerted collective effort to reduce demand can further help to lessen the level of loadshedding. And as such, we strongly urge customers to assist by helping to reduce demand by using electricity sparingly.

Set air-conditioners’ average temperature at 23ºC

Switch off your geysers over peak periods

Use the cold water tap rather than using the geyser every time

Set your swimming pool pump cycle to run twice a day, three hours at a time for optimal energy use.

At the end of the day, turn off computers, copiers, printers and fax machines at the switch. Avoid stand-by or sleep mode.

Customers are advised to check their loadshedding schedules on the Eskom or municipal websites.

We remind customers that loadshedding is conducted rotationally as a measure of last resort to protect the power system from a total collapse or blackout.

Eskom will provide an update tomorrow.

Issued by Eskom