Eskom will implement stage 1 load shedding from 17:00 today, which is likely to continue until 22:00 this evening.This is due to increased electricity demand and a shortage of generation capacity resulting from technical faults at some of our power station units.

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.

As we are currently experiencing cold weather conditions across the country, we urge electricity users to consider energy efficient ways of keeping warm.

Eskom will use the published load shedding schedules which 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.

Eskom will provide regular updates on the status of the power system through all the media platforms.

Issued by Eskom