Eskom will implement stage 1 load shedding at 10:30 this morning due to a shortage of generation capacity. This will continue until 22:00.  Acting Chief Executive of Eskom Dan Marokane says, “As previously indicated during our quarterly state of the system briefing on 15 January, the grid will be under pressure for the current week resulting in a high risk of load shedding.”

Eskom calls on consumers to urgently switch off geysers, air conditioners, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances throughout the day to reduce electricity demand. As workers leave office buildings this evening we ask that they please switch off the lights, with the exception of security lighting and avoid leaving on air-conditioning overnight.

Commercial customers, particularly shopping centres and office blocks, can make the biggest difference by switching off non-essential lights and not to leave office equipment such as photocopiers and computers in standby mode after hours. Eskom customers are advised to check load shedding schedules, which are available on the Eskom website (http://loadshedding.eskom.co.za). They can also contact our customer call centre 0860 037 566. Municipal customers are urged to contact their local authorities. Eskom will provide regular updates on the status of the power system throughout the day.

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS (DOC) ON BEHALF ON ESKOM