Cape Town - Eskom and the City of Cape Town worked together to ensure that the Parliamentary precinct will have uninterrupted power supply during Thursday evening’s State of the Nation address by President Jacob Zuma.
Eskom said in a statement on Thursday afternoon that, in addition, the City of Cape Town has received confirmation from the Public Works Department that back-up generators supplying Parliament have been tested, are operational, and have sufficient fuel.
"Eskom's ambition is not to implement load shedding at any given day, but because we are operating an old and vulnerable power system, sometimes we do experience technical faults, and this increases the risk of load shedding," it said in the statement.
Eskom’s plant maintenance plan is underway and will continue until May at all power stations, including open cycle gas turbines. Maintenance includes amongst others the replacement of parts, servicing of equipment and inspection of facilities at all stations.
"We therefore expect the power grid to remain constrained for the rest of the week and the rest of the summer."
Eskom calls on all South Africans to pull together over the next few months and use electricity sparingly by “Living Lightly” this summer.
"Less is more this summer and homeowners and businesses can do so with just four steps: firstly, switching off geysers and pool pumps; secondly, switching off non-essential lights, thirdly, efficient use of air-conditioners by keeping the room temperature at 23°C and, finally, responding to the alerts on TV each evening," it said.