Eskom: No load shedding expected on Wednesday, drop in unplanned breakdowns

Eskom is not expecting load shedding on Wednesday, and unplanned breakdowns have seen a further reduction.

Breakdowns were at 10 639 MW on Tuesday afternoon, from 11 337 MW on Monday, while planned maintenance was at 5 101 MW, compared to 4 966MW on Monday, Eskom said in a statement. 

However, it is still making use of emergency reserves in peak hours and the grid remains constrained, it added, urging consumers to continue saving electricity where possible. 

The possibility of load shedding has loomed as an additional economic threat as President Cyril Ramaphosa announced various measures to curb the spread of coronavirus at the weekend. Large events and gatherings have been cancelled or postponed, and many businesses have asked staff to work from home where possible. 

Economists have warned that the impact of the coronavirus, combined with continued bouts of load shedding, could have a devastating economic impact. 

• READ | SA economy could shrink by 6% in the next few months, economist warns

Eskom has warned, however, that the risk of load shedding remains heightened for the foreseeable future. 

• Find your load shedding schedule here