Eskom will implement stage 1 load shedding and load curtailment from 06:00 on Thursday morning, and this is likely to continue until 22:00 this evening.<\/p>\n
The latest degree of load shedding follows Eskom move on Wednesday to increase power outages from load shedding stage 2 (2000MW shed from the grid) in the morning to a partial stage 3 (4000MW shed off the grid) at 16:00 due to the vulnerable system of the grid.<\/p>\n
Eskom stopped stage 3 load shedding at 21:11 on Wednesday evening.<\/p>\n
Eskom made the same announcement at the same time on Tuesday, revealing how sensitive the electricity situation is at the moment.<\/p>\n
On Thursday it said the electricity supply system remains very constrained and vulnerable due to a shortage of generation capacity. “Several units are currently out of service due to planned and unplanned outages.”<\/p>\n
Eskom said load shedding is implemented as a necessary measure to protect the power system. “Any additional changes on the already vulnerable and constrained power system could lead to a change in the stage of load shedding at short notice.”<\/p>\n
At a media briefing on Wednesday Public Enterprises Minister Lynne Brown said Eskom only wanted to subject South Africans to a few hours of stage 3 load shedding, which is why it only implemented at from 16:00 to 22:00 and not the whole day.<\/p>\n
“There will be load shedding for the next two years,” she said. “It is time for South Africans and the economy to adapt to the situation and find a way to save electricity and manage their productivity during the few hours of load shedding when it occurs.”<\/p>\n
Eskom tends to complete its planned maintenance programme ahead of winter due to the spike in usage, but Brown said this must not happen this year. “I think we need to stick to maintenance,” she said. “Even in winter.”<\/p>\n
“It is worrying if they are not consistent with maintenance,” she said. “Then you will have unplanned outages.”<\/p>\n
Eskom reiterated calls to reduce the load on the electricity grid, and urged consumers to urgently switching off geysers, air conditioners, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances throughout the day. This will reduce electricity demand.<\/p>\n
“Commercial customers, particularly shopping centres and office blocks, can also make a big difference by switching off non-essential lights and not leaving office equipment such as photocopiers and computers in standby mode after hours.” Eskom said.<\/p>\n