Eskom announced this morning that they have implemented stage 1 load shedding. Yesterday also saw the lights go off, due to "technical issues", which lasted until 22:00. However, with the electricity already constrained, and reports of demand outstripping supply the lights might be off for a lot longer than many would hope.
Acting CEO of Eskom Dan Marokane said, "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."
The schedules
The best way for consumers to find the load shedding schedule during the year, is to visit the Eskom page. Eskom has said that the published schedules at the moment are the ones they will be using for load shedding today, and the days to come.
There will, however, be a new schedule from the 1 February, as load shedding is reported to be more frequent in the coming months.
Saving electricity
So what can you do to help? Well, 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," said Eskom.
For information on apps that track the load shedding, click here.
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