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The risk of load shedding is high from 06:00 this morning until 22:00 this evening due to a shortage of generation capacity as some of our generating units tripped last night and this morning.

Eskom has not implemented load shedding for the past 61 days except for two hours and twenty minutes.  As we are currently experiencing hot weather conditions across the country, we urge electricity users to consider energy efficient ways of keeping cool.

Eskom would like to assure customers that load shedding is implemented as a necessary measure to protect the power system and to ensure that maintenance is carried out in order to guarantee that our supply of electricity can be maintained in the long term.

Eskom’s load shedding schedules are available on the Eskom website (http://loadshedding.eskom.co.za) for Eskom customers. Eskom customers can also contact our customer call centre 0860 037 566.

Municipal customers should contact their municipalities for information.

Tip - In the heat of the moment, optimise heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) with the following ten easy steps

1. Adjust blinds and curtains in rooms that receive direct sunlight. This helps to keep rooms cool and postpone switching on air-conditioners.
2. Close windows while air-conditioners are running.
3. Don’t cool empty space. Only switch on air-conditioners when rooms are occupied.
4. Switch off units 30 minutes before leaving the office.
5. Set air-conditioners’ average temperature in summer at 23°C.
6. Create awareness amongst employees and individuals responsible for the control of HVAC systems that are not controlled via a building management system.
7. Conduct proper maintenance to ensure all HVAC system components are intact and work efficiently, including motors, pumps, fans, compressors, ducting and filters.
8. Consider replacing old systems. New, energy efficient systems offer enhanced control functionality and higher levels of energy efficiency.
9. Use air-conditioner fans to draw in and circulate cool air from outside during early morning hours.
10. Set air-conditioners to circulate cool air instead of drawing in warmer air from the outside.

Eskom will continue to provide regular updates on the state of the power system through various media platforms.

Issued by Eskom