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Eskom load shedding stage 1

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Load shedding: Eskom moves to Stage 1 on Friday 13 December

Eskom assured customers that load shedding is no cause for concern as the system is “effectively controlled”. We are now in Stage 1.

Cheryl Kahla
by Cheryl Kahla
13-12-2019 16:18
in News
Eskom load shedding stage 1

Image via Adobe Stock

It’s Friday the 13th today. While I’m not superstitious, I’ll argue that it’s very fitting for our current Eskom and load shedding dilemma. At any rate, the day began with Eskom implementing Stage 2 load shedding.

Load shedding status for Friday 13 December 2019

Power alert 1: Stage 2 from 9:00

According to Eskom, Stage 2 is in effect from 9:00 to 23:00; The power utility said at the time that load shedding is necessary all day to “cater for further trips and to create capacity to replenish water reserves”.

Furthermore, Eskom assures customers that load shedding is no cause for concern as the system as they “effectively control” the system.

Power alert 2: Stage 1 from 16:00

Similarly, Eskom has now confirmed that the power utility will implement Stage 1 load shedding from 16:00 on Friday 13 December 2019.

Also read – Eskom crisis talks: When is this period of load shedding likely to end?

Eskom received outstanding payment from municipalities

This follows after Eskom suspended bulk electricity interruptions to the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality Thursday 12 December 2019. Eskom lifts the suspension due to:

“[…] a significant payment being received and a new payment arrangement being entered into. This suspension will remain in place dependent on Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality’s compliance to the payment arrangement.”

Meanwhile, Eskom also suspended interruptions to Tsantsabane Local Municipality “after a satisfactory agreement has been reached. Residents in the area will now also have electricity on 19 December 2019.

Load shedding fake news

In other news, Eskom also clamped down on fake news alerts shared on social media; assuring customers that reports of South Africa being in darkness for extended periods of time is not based on fact.

These are false and misleading. [Load shedding] is managed on a rotational basis for a period of between two and four hours at a time, depending on which schedule the customer is on, on a particular day.”

The fake news machine didn’t just give up, though. The following day, a voice note went viral in which the peddlers of fake news claim purported that Eskom owes R500m to oil suppliers.

Eskom also said in a press release that the accusation isn’t accurate; the power utility requires no fuel during stable boiler operations. In addition, Eskom said:

“All of Eskom’s coal suppliers are contracted to supply the quality requirements of each power station. However, where fuel oil is needed, it is being delivered to some coal-fired power stations. We are up to date with all our payments. Factors which have also caused load shedding are not linked to oil supply.”

Also read – DA’s radical plan for Eskom: Ban strikes, get tax-free diesel… and fire Mantashe?

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Eskom
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