‘Conserve’ to avoid load shedding

The power utility Eskom has no plans for load shedding at the moment. But, said an Eskom spokesperson, demand has to be kept under control. As for the possibility of load shedding next year, FTW’s Eskom contact said that it was a very fine line between power sufficiency and power shortage. This point was confirmed by president Kyalema Motlanthe. “The very small margin between electricity demand and electricity supply has necessitated some rationing of power,” he said. “In this regard this summer will be a very difficult period when most of the Eskom maintenance will be undertaken ... We urge all consumers, businesses and private homes to be very careful about their use of electricity.”