Eskom is currently implementing Stage 2 rotational loadshedding and will continue until 06:00 tomorrow owing to system constraints and the need to replenish emergency reserves at our open cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) and pumped storage schemes. Good progress has been made in replenishing these reserves (water and diesel) which are necessary to limit the possibility and magnitude of loadshedding in the week ahead.

Our teams are working hard to reduce unplanned outages or breakdowns which were at 12 080 MW as at 07:00 this morning.  We will continue to monitor the system closely and will give periodic updates on the status of the power system as things may change at short notice.

Problems with our loadshedding schedules experienced over the past few days have been resolved overnight and customers can now access their schedules for their areas.

We regret that loadshedding has a negative impact on South Africa.  Critical maintenance is being done to units on planned outages as well as some of those on unplanned outages to ensure timeous return to service. 

To assist us in reducing the stage of loadshedding, we appeal to customers to continue to use electricity sparingly:

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

•           Only fill kettles with as much water as you need

•           Set air-conditioners’ average temperature at 23ºC

•           Turn off computers, copiers, printers at the switch and avoid standby or sleep mode

•           Switch off the lights and air-conditioners when you leave the office

•           Switch off your geysers over peak periods

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

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

Customers are advised to check their loadshedding schedules on the Eskom (loadshedding.eskom.co.za) or municipal websites depending on who supplies them.

We regret and apologise for the inconvenience during this difficult period.

Issued by Eskom