Power cuts are expected over the weekend as electricity supply remained constrained, Eskom said.<\/p>\n
“While the demand for electricity is expected to be met [on Friday], there is a very high risk of load-shedding over the weekend,” the power utility said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“Eskom has targeted the weekend to conduct load shedding, should the need arise, on purpose so as to limit the impact on the economy.”<\/p>\n
The constrained power system was partially due to the “urgent planned maintenance” at the Cahora Bassa transmission line.<\/p>\n
“A portion of the capacity normally imported from Cahora Bassa will be unavailable on Sunday as the plant undergoes urgent planned maintenance.”<\/p>\n
“The weekend will also be utilised to build up water reserves for the pumped storage schemes which use water to generate electricity.”<\/p>\n
Eskom also needed to conserve diesel supplies for the week ahead.<\/p>\n
“The capacity available to meet demand for electricity will be reduced as a result thereby increasing the need for rotational load-shedding.”<\/p>\n
The power utility said its load-shedding schedules were available for its direct customers on its website. Customers could also contact their call centre for additional information.<\/p>\n
“Eskom calls on consumers to urgently switch off geysers, air conditioners, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances throughout the day to alleviate the pressure on the system and limit the need for rotational load-shedding.”<\/p>\n
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