The power system remains constrained but stable with high electricity usage expected at night due to slightly nippy weather conditions, Eskom said on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
The trend was expected to continue for the rest of the week, it said in a statement.<\/p>\n
Eskom therefore called on all consumers to use electricity sparingly at all times, particularly during the evening peak period between 6pm and 10pm.<\/p>\n
“We urge consumers to switch off geysers, pool pumps, and all non-essential appliances during this period to help reduce pressure on the national power grid.”<\/p>\n
The power utility said it was taking all necessary steps available to keep the lights on, including using open cycle gas turbines, hydroelectric power stations, and pumped storage schemes.<\/p>\n
“While we will make every effort to avoid load-shedding we are hopeful that by applying these measures – coupled with support from all electricity consumers – we will achieve the required load reduction necessary to protect the national grid.”<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, Eskom said no scheduled power blackouts were planned for the week despite increased demand for electricity.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month a coal storage silo at the Majuba power station in Mpumalanga collapsed, resulting in widespread power cuts.<\/p>\n
The silo held more than 10,000 tons of coal and affected coal supplies to all six units at the power station.<\/p>\n
An investigation into the collapsed silo has since been launched.<\/p>\n
No blackouts planned: Eskom<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Wet weather puts Eskom under power strain<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n