Eskom declared a power emergency with large industrial customers on Sunday, the power utility said.<\/p>\n
“Eskom has declared a power emergency with large industrial customers, requiring them to urgently reduce their electricity usage by 10 percent from 3pm to 8pm today,” Eskom said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“The declaration of a power emergency follows in addition to the implementation of stage two of load shedding earlier today [Sunday].”<\/p>\n
The power system experienced an increase in demand due to weather conditions and increased load losses as a result of multiple tripping of generating units at the Majuba and Matimba power stations.<\/p>\n
“Eskom has lost a total of 1700 MW of generating power,” the power utility said.<\/p>\n
“Eskom is now following the protocol in terms of its emergency procedures in order to secure the power system.”<\/p>\n
Due to loss of additional generating capacity, Eskom implemented stage two load shedding at noon on Sunday and this would continue until 10pm Sunday evening.<\/p>\n
“The risk of load shedding for tomorrow [Monday] and Tuesday is medium to low. This is owing to steady progress made in building reserves to limit the risk of load shedding next week,” Eskom said.<\/p>\n
“Eskom calls on all electricity users to urgently switch off geysers, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances in order to allow the power system to recover.”<\/p>\n
It would provide regular updates on the power system’s status through all media platforms.<\/p>\n