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Johannesburg - South Africa's power grid is under "significant pressure" at the moment as the continent's most advanced economy reboots after the festive season and the reserve margins are expected to be "very tight" next week, Eskom spokesperson Andrew Etzinger said on Wednesday.
Taking questions on Reuters' Trading Africa chatroom on Wednesday, Etzinger said stocks of diesel used for some power stations were in a "good position, but extensive use today may change that situation."
The South African Insurance Association (SAIA) called on consumers to take the necessary steps to protect themselves against damage or loss of property caused by load shedding and to make sure that they have adequate insurance cover.
Read: Insurers ready to save load shedding losses
Eskom is scrambling to keep the lights on as demand for power threatens to outstrip its capacity to maintain supplies, raising the prospect of rolling blackouts.
Eskom is to blame for SA not reaping a big net trade improvement from the sharp drop in oil prices, according to merging markets economist Peter Attard Montalto of Nomura.
READ: No oil trade benefit because of Eskom - expert
The power grid was constrained, but stable on Monday after a spike in electricity usage as people returned from holiday, Eskom said.
"We are seeing a lot of demand, but we are able to supply. The risk of load shedding is low to medium," said spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe at the time.
READ: Eskom: Power grid constrained
Eskom said on Twitter on Tuesday: “As many industries reopen this week after the festive season, electricity demand has increased. As a result the risk of load shedding is expected to be low to medium this week. We urge you to use electricity sparingly at all times.”
The risk of load shedding for today has increased. Kindly assist in reducing the demand by switching off unnecessary electrical appliances.
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) January 7, 2015
