Eskom has advised consumers to use power sparingly as they roll out loadshedding. Image: Flickr
Guess what? Loadshedding is back… during the cold front
While the country is swept by a cold front this week, Eskom will however implement loadshedding partly because of this reason.
Eskom has advised consumers to use power sparingly as they roll out loadshedding. Image: Flickr
Get your back-up power ready as Eskom brings back loadshedding which is highly likely to continue the rest of the week.
ESKOM IMPLEMENTS STAGE 2 ON TUESDAY
The power utility announced that Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 until midnight on Tuesday.
It’s also highly probable that this will continue on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha said.
“Eskom cautions the public that due to the shortage of generation capacity, Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 to 24:00 this evening. There is also a high probability that loadshedding will require to be implemented during the same time on both Wednesday and Thursday evenings,” he said.
He said the power utility will communicate should anything changes.
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THE CAUSE OF LOADSHEDDING THIS WEEK
While a cold front is sweeping across the country, this has exacerbated the capacity constraint as power demand has increased. However, that is not the main reason for the loadshedding.
The implementation of this week’s loadshedding is due to breakdowns of a single generation unit at Arnot Power Station. Three generation units at Tutuka Power Station also broke down during the past 24 hours.
Another reason is the delays in returning units to service at Arnot, Kusile and Tutuka power stations.
These have put a severe strain on the power generation system, said Mantshantsha.
“We currently have 4 550MW on planned maintenance, while another 14 182MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns. We therefore urge all South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly.”
Sikonathi Mantshantsha
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HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE PLANNED BLACKOUTS
Loadshedding might be a pain, but some planning can go a long way. Eskom advises the following tips to prepare for the blackouts:
Keep your cellphone fully charged when the power is on.
Make sure your vehicles have fuel as petrol stations cannot pump fuel during power outages.
Release your automatic electric garage door mechanisms so that you can gain access to your poperty during the outage
Switch your electric gates to ‘manual’ to avoid being locked out of or in your home.
Keep a battery-powered torch in a place where it will be easy to find in the dark.
Boil water and store in a flask for hot drinks
Prepare meals ahead of the power outage. Alternatively, keep tinned foods and snacks that do not require refrigeration as they are an easy alternative should you not be able to prepare meals ahead of loadshedding.
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