Load shedding still a possibility
Load shedding remains a possibility as Eskom attempts to restore power stations to normal working order.
There is a low probability of rotational load shedding in the coming days as a result of power station units being returned to the system. The probability of rotational load shedding increases for the evening peak period from 5pm to 9pm due to the normally expected increase in demand.
Should rotational load shedding be implemented it would be for a period up to four hours. Eskom will advise if rotational load shedding will be conducted in stage one, stage two, stage three or stage four, dependent on the capacity shortage. Stage one requires 1 000MW to be rotationally load shed nationwide, stage two requires 2 000 MW, stage three requires 3 000 MW and stage four calls for up to 4 000 MW to be rotationally load shed nationally in that given period. Load shedding is conducted as a measure of last resort to protect the power system from a total collapse or blackout.
Recovery teams at power stations continue to work hard to stabilise the power system. Eskom’s prognosis is that the power system will take up to approximately 10 days to recover from the effects of the recent industrial action, once all staff eventually return to work.
The estimated 10-day prognosis for full restoration is due to the effects of the industrial action which interrupted continuous processes at the power plants. These processes now have to be cleared out and restarted which would take additional time.
Eskom continues to encourage residents and businesses to please use electricity sparingly to ease the demand for electricity. Please switch off geysers during the day, especially during peak periods (7am to 10am and 5pm to 9pm), as well as all non-essential lighting and electricity appliances to assist in reducing demand.
Customers are advised to keep checking their load shedding schedules on the Eskom and their municipal websites and plan on the assumption that load shedding will take place.
In the event that load shedding becomes necessary, Eskom and the municipalities will use published rotational load shedding schedules. For Eskom customers, these schedules are available on the Eskom website (loadshedding.eskom.co.za). Eskom customers can also contact their customer contact centre at 086 003 7566.
Also Read:
Load shedding stages explained
5 Things you need to know about the Eskom shutdown
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