Staff Reporter.
Eskom has announced that load shedding will be reduced to Stage 1 and will be implemented from 5pm until 10pm on Saturday.
In a statement, the power utility said that Stage 1 load-shedding will be repeated at the same time on Sunday.
“While this is the case currently, Eskom cautions the public that as the shortage of generation capacity persists, the system will continue to be constrained with an elevated risk of load shedding over the coming weeks,” Eskom said.
The power utility also indicated that the outlook for the coming week remained uncertain.
“Eskom will continue to closely monitor the system, adjust and communicate any changes as may be necessary.
“We appeal to all South Africans to help limit the impact of the shortages by continuing to reduce the usage of electricity and to switch off all non-essential items,” Eskom added.
Approximately 15,943 megawatts (MW) of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns, while 4,279MW is on planned maintenance.
“Eskom apologises for the implementation of load shedding and is working around the clock to return to service as many units as possible. We would like to remind the public that load shedding is implemented only as a last resort to protect the national grid,” the power utility further said.
For people living in the major metros, load shedding schedules are available here:
- City of Johannesburg
- City of Ekurhuleni
- City of Tshwane
- City of Cape Town (PDF)
- Nelson Mandela Bay
- eThekwini
- Manguang
- Buffalo City
For access to other load shedding schedules, Eskom has made them available on loadshedding.eskom.co.za.
Smartphone users can also download the app EskomSePush to receive push notifications when load shedding is implemented, as well as the times the area you are in will be off.