Load-shedding was not expected on Friday, Eskom has said.

The power utility said it was using emergency reserves to supplement generation capacity during peak demand. 

"We remind customers that as the generation system remains constrained, vulnerable and unpredictable, load-shedding could be implemented at short notice if there is a change on the generation system. We request customers to continue using electricity sparingly to help curb demand," the organisation said in a statement. 

Unplanned outages or breakdowns were at 12 195 MW at 4.15pm on Thursday, with planned maintenance at 4 427 MW. 

"Eskom reminds South Africans that there is a possibility of increased load-shedding over the next 18 months as we are conducting critical maintenance to restore the ageing plant to good health."