Stage 2 rotational loadshedding is currently in effect today and will be implemented tomorrow, owing to a shortage of capacity and a higher demand in electricity. The probability of loadshedding remains high for the weekend.  Eskom will continue to provide regular updates.

Eskom wishes to remind South Africans that there is an increased possibility of loadshedding over the next 18 months as Eskom is conducting critical maintenance to restore its ageing plant to good health.  Customers are also advised that any additional shifts on the system may require a change in the loadshedding stage. We therefore request customers to use electricity sparingly and to reduce demand during this period of loadshedding.

As we continue to replenish the emergency reserves at our pumped storage schemes and open cycle gas turbines (OCGTs), we will continue to explore the pilot programme of providing loadshedding respite during the morning and evening traffic rush hours in the week. However this is not possible today owing to the available generating capacity and the need to replenish emergency reserves.

Unplanned outages or breakdowns were at 11 567MW as at 06:00 this morning. Critical maintenance is being done on units that are currently 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: 

• 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

• At the end of the day, turn off computers, copiers, printers and fax machines at the switch.

We appeal to customers to revisit their loadshedding schedules on the Eskom (https://loadshedding.eskom.co.za) or local municipal websites, depending on their electricity supplier, to review amendments.

Issued by Eskom