While Eskom is currently implementing Stage 2 loadshedding and despite demand being generally lower over the weekend, the probability of loadshedding is high as a result of a shortage of capacity. Generation plant is out on planned maintenance and there is a higher than expected number of units (currently at approximately 10 000 MW) on unplanned maintenance due to technical faults. Cahora Bassa hydropower plant is still supplying 700 MW less to the grid as a result of a damaged transmission line, which occurred late on Wednesday. There is also a need to preserve emergency water and diesel resources to limit the loadshedding possibility or magnitude thereof in the following week.
 
Customers are advised to keep checking their loadshedding schedules on the Eskom or municipal website, and plan on the assumption that loadshedding will take place. For Eskom customers, these schedules are available on the Eskom website (http://loadshedding.eskom.co.za). Eskom customers can also contact our customer contact centre at 0860 037 566.
 
Eskom is engaging with stakeholders who have critical loads and strategic events to work on alternative ways of keeping the lights on, which include ensuring that customers’ own back-up generation systems are in good working order.
 
Eskom will provide regular updates on the status of the power system through all the media platforms.
 
Thank you to all customers for your co-operation and understanding.

Issued by Eskom