South African power utility Eskom said it would implement rolling blackouts on Friday and into the weekend as the electricity grid continues to be constrained.<\/p>\n
“The power system has been seriously constrained today, we will begin load shedding today,” an Eskom spokesperson said, referring to the rolling power outages.<\/p>\n
Power cuts started at 12h00, the spokesman said.<\/p>\n
The City of Johannesburg and City Power will remotely switch off geyser control systems to certain areas at specific times to manage electricity control across the city, it said on Friday.<\/p>\n
“We also appeal to large power users and key business customers to reduce their usage of electricity by switching off all non-essential machinery, and other appliances, such as air conditioners and lighting,” it said in a statement.<\/p>\n
“City Power also requests domestic customers and medium and small enterprises to reduce their electricity consumption by switching off non-essential appliances, such as office and basement lights, where possible.”<\/p>\n
Eskom said on Thursday that the electricity system would be under severe strain over the weekend, and it requested municipalities to reduce demand by load-shedding their customers.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, City Power and the City of Johannesburg said customers should visit their websites to confirm the rolling blackout schedule, and have torches and lanterns at hand to light up their homes.<\/p>\n
“Have candles and other alternative lighting systems available, ensure your security system has appropriate battery back-up, and find food and refreshments before the blackouts start.”<\/p>\n