Eskom implements load-shedding

The implementation of load-shedding - which is due to continue up until 2200 this evening - is due to a shortage of generation capacity as several units are currently on unplanned outages due to technical faults.

At Majuba power station, Unit 3 has an ash conveyer belt which is stuck and Duvha's Unit 2 tripped last night due to a technical fault on the electrical side that is currently being repaired.

There is on-going work at Koeberg's Unit 1, which experienced an earth fault on the generator transformer on Sunday. The unit is expected to be at full capacity by the end of the week. The same unit is due for planned outage on 9 February 2015 and will be returned to service again in May.

The utility said that in Cape Town, power has been restored to all areas in Blackheath which had been affected by the three mini substations' vandalism incident, yesterday.

"We urge customers who have any information regarding this incident to contact Eskom's Crime Line on 0800 11 27 22."

Eskom added that the power system remains constrained and will remain so for the rest of this week.

"Any extra load or faults in the system may necessitate the need to go into load shedding. We therefore urge all electricity customers to reduce their consumption in order to reduce the severity of load shedding."

Eskom called on all customers to reduce the load on the electricity grid by urgently switching off geysers, air conditioners, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances throughout the day, which will reduce electricity demand.

Commercial customers, particularly shopping centres and office blocks, can also make a big difference by switching off non-essential lights and not leaving office equipment such as photocopiers and computers in standby mode after hours.

Eskom customers can check load shedding schedules on the Eskom website (http://loadshedding.eskom.co.za) or contact the customer call centre on 0860 037 566. Municipal customers are urged to contact their local authorities.