Eskom says load shedding will start at 5pm

Cape Town - Eskom said on Wednesday it will implement stage 1 load shedding from 17:00 until 22:00 this evening.

According to Eskom this is due to a shortage of generating capacity as several units are currently out of service due to maintenance.

Check your load shedding schedules on GridWatch.                                             

Eskom however warned that any unexpected changes on the already vulnerable power system could lead to a change in the load shedding stage at short notice, adding that load shedding is only implemented as a necessary measure to protect the power system.

The power utility reiterated calls for power users to help reduce the load on the grid by urgently switching off geysers, air conditioners, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances. This will reduce electricity demand, Eskom said.

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa said during the Presidency’s budget vote debate on Tuesday that he believed an SOE that would “regain its strength in our economy” was Eskom, a utility that was critical to “economic growth and sustainability”.

“As we are all acutely aware, the company has been experiencing severe generation constraints, exacerbated by significant operational and financial challenges.

“With the support of the war room located in the Presidency, progress has been made in the implementation of government's five-point implementation plan,” he said, adding the acting CEO Brian Molefe’s secondment was a welcomed move.