Eskom is currently implementing Stage 2 rotational loadshedding which will continue overnight and all day until 23:00 tomorrow, 09 December 2019.  The probability of loadshedding remains high for the week as a result of a shortage of capacity.

This morning we stated that Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented until 23:00 tonight, however due to the vulnerability and low level of reliability of the system we have lost additional units during the course of the day, resulting in unplanned breakdowns increasing to 12 000MW as at 19:00.

The additional loss of units today, required an increase in the usage of diesel and water at our open cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) and pumped storage schemes respectively, in order to supplement capacity. Regrettably as a result we have been unable to conserve water and diesel as required to stop or to minimise loadshedding for the coming week. At this stage there is a high probability of loadshedding until the end of the week. We remind customers that loadshedding is a responsible act to prevent a national blackout.

The loadshedding is required overnight and all day tomorrow to cater for further trips and to create capacity toreplenish water reserves for our pumped storage schemes.  Sufficient water and diesel reserves are necessary to limit the level of loadshedding in the week. Eskom will communicate if there is a change in the system.

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 continue to experience 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