The system remains constrained and vulnerable, with generating plant performing at low levels of reliability. With unplanned outages at just below 9 500MW as at 07h00 today, the probability of loadshedding is low for today, but should there be a significant shift on the system we may need to loadshed at short notice. There is currently sufficient diesel for our open cycle gas turbines and water at the pumped storage schemes to supplement the shortage of capacity, if required.

The Emergency Response Command Centre (ERCC) continues to monitor the system closely. 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 low water levels at the pumped storage schemes, could result in loadshedding at short notice.

A concerted collective effort to reduce demand can 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.

We will continue to keep South Africans informed about the status of the electricity system.

 

Issued by Eskom