Image via Adobe Stock
Eskom said in a media alert that no load shedding is planned for the weekend, but the possibility of load shedding remains.
Image via Adobe Stock
Eskom confirmed that we can pack the candles away for now, but don’t get too excited yet: The risk of load shedding remains; the system is vulnerable and constrained.
Even though no load shedding is expected over the weekend, Eskom warns that the system remains vulnerable and constrained.
Eskom said in a statement that it “does not expect to implement load shedding during the weekend”, but adds that the possibility of load shedding remains as the “power generation system remains constrained and vulnerable”.
“We are utilising emergency generation reserves to supplement supply, and may have to implement load shedding at short notice should the system performance deteriorate”.
Not that it matters, we’re so used to “load shedding at short notice” or no notice anyway. Eskom added that it will “utilise emergency reserves to supplement the supply overnight”.
Eskom also confirmed that unplanned breakdowns or outages were at 11 348 MW at 16:55 pm on Friday 20 March 2020, and planned maintenance outages were at 4 957 MW.
“Eskom invites all stakeholders to partner with us, through co-operation and responsible management of electricity consumption, so that we may soon emerge from these difficult times of supply constraints. We thank you for your co-operation and understanding so far.”
Eskom also requests that customers assist as well by using electricity sparingly in order to keep the demand low and reduce the risk of load shedding, and suggests:
Also read – Eskom closes Gauteng customer service hubs due to coronavirus outbreak
Back in 2019, the power utility issued a notice “to correct fictitious and misleading information”, and asked that South Africans stop the spread of fake news pertaining to load shedding.
One way to prevent the spread of misinformation is to only follow Eskom’s official social media accounts as there are several parody accounts that spread false information.
Also read – Three Eskom employees arrested after connecting customers illegally