Image via Pixabay.
Image via Pixabay.
A massive failure in generational capacity has put South Africa on the brink of load shedding once more. More than 17 000 MW of power has been taken offline, as planned and unplanned outages continue to spiral at Eskom. They warn that the power is likely to go out across the country at some point on Sunday.
What time will load shedding take place on Sunday 8 March?
Eskom issued the following message this afternoon:
“The likelihood remains high that we may have to implement load shedding at short notice today. We have had an increase in unplanned breakdowns and identified further system risks. Our grid is currently constrained, unpredictable and vulnerable. We’re now replenishing our emergency reserves for the week.”
“There is a high likelihood that load shedding may be implemented today [Sunday 8 March] should there be any further changes in the generational system’s performance. Unplanned breakdowns stand at 12 077 MW, and planned maintenance outages are at 4 963 MW as of 11:30 this morning.”
Eskom statement
How to check your daily schedule
To find out if, or when, your area or suburb will be impacted by load shedding, you first need to know whether your supply of electricity comes directly from Eskom or from the municipality. Let’s deal with Eskom-direct supplied areas first.
Eskom’s load shedding portal provides up to date details on the current stage of load shedding, the propensity for further rotational cuts, and an area search for direct consumers. It’s an easy to use search function, which although not always 100% accurate, at least provides a rough estimate of what to expect, when.
To check your daily load shedding schedule, go onto loadshedding.eskom.co.za and type either your suburb/village/area into the quick search field. If your electricity is supplied via the municipality, you need to refer to this table and contact the relative authorities – either via the web or phone.
- You can read Eskom’s full statement on the matter here:
#POWERALERT 1
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) March 8, 2020
Date: 08 March 2020
Likelihood of loadshedding remains high @ewnupdates @SABCNewsOnline @IOL @eNCA @Newzroom405 @SABCRadio @News24 @TimesLIVE pic.twitter.com/yeZYCa8a3P
