Eskom has announced that it will implement Stage 2 load shedding – down from Stage 3 – until 16h00 on Wednesday.
The power utility said lower demand and improved generating capacity had contributed to the downgrading of the severity of load shedding.
“Eskom power station general managers and their teams’ efforts in returning units to service over the past weekend resulted in the improvement in generation capacity. This, combined with the slightly lower than anticipated electricity demand, allowed load shedding to be suspended at 21:35 on Sunday night until 05:00 on Monday,” Eskom said in a statement.
“The sustained improvement in generation capacity and the anticipated lower demand also necessitated the implementation of Stage 2 load shedding at midday [on Monday] until 16:00 on Wednesday. A further update will be provided on Wednesday afternoon. Eskom will closely monitor the power system and communicate any changes should it be required,” said the statement.
As of Monday, unplanned outages stood at 13 449MW with a further 8 383MW unavailable due to maintenance.
“We would like to thank those who do heed the call to use electricity sparingly and efficiently, including switching off geysers and pool pumps from 17:00 to 21:00, as this lowers demand and helps in alleviating the pressure on the power system and contributes to lower stages of load shedding,” Eskom said. – SAnews.gov.za
