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We were supposed to implement Stage 2 rotational loadshedding until 23:00 tonight, however, as a result of further unplanned breakdowns, critically low water levels at our pumped storage schemes and the need to manage diesel reserves, Stage 2 loadshedding will continue until 5:00 tomorrow (06 December 2019) when the situation will be reviewed. The overnight loadshedding will give Eskom more time to recover the emergency resources in order to limit the loadshedding possibility or magnitude thereof in the following days.

As the system is severely constrained, with unplanned breakdowns above 12 500MW, the possibility of loadshedding remains very high throughout the day tomorrow.

Eskom’s Emergency Response Command Centre (ERCC) continues to monitor the system.  Since Monday, we have experienced an increase of more than 1000MW in demand and an increase in unplanned outages above 9 500MW. With the loss of additional units during the day, Eskom had to implement rotational loadshedding at short notice, to protect the power system from a total collapse. Coal handling at our power stations are currently not impacted by the rainy weather conditions, but there could be a further impact to power supply if the rain persists.

We are utilising emergency diesel and water reserves at our open cycle gas turbines and hydro pumped storage schemes respectively to keep loadshedding at a minimum. While we have sufficient diesel reserves, there is a need to replenish water reserves at our pumped storage schemes later today and over the weekend.

In the System Status Briefing of 4 September 2019 Eskom warned that in order to avoid loadshedding in summer, unplanned breakdowns needed to be contained at below 9 500MW. In the event that generator breakdowns are experienced beyond 10 500MW there will be high usage of emergency resources (diesel and pumped storage generators), which may lead to loadshedding, if the supply constraints is sustained for a long duration. 

A concerted collective effort to reduce demand can help to avoid or lessen the level of loadshedding. And as such, we strongly urge customers to assist by helping to reduce demand by using electricity sparingly.

• Set air-conditioners’ average temperature at 23ºC
• Switch off your geysers over peak periods
• Use the cold water tap rather than using the geyser every time
• Set your swimming pool pump cycle to run twice a day, three hours at a time for optimal energy use

At the end of the day, turn off computers, copiers, printers and fax machines at the switch. Avoid stand-by or sleep mode

Customers are advised to check their loadshedding schedules on the Eskom or municipal websites.

We remind customers that loadshedding is conducted rotationally as a measure of last resort to protect the power system from a total collapse or blackout.

We will continue to keep South Africans informed about the status of the electricity system.

Issued by Eskom