In a statement Eskom released yesterday, 4 November, customers were notified of the risk that load shedding may be implemented at short notice.
During this past weekend, functionality of some of the Eskom generation units was lost unexpectedly, leaving the electricity system severely constrained.
The breakdowns are currently above the critical threshold, and in order to meet demand, Eskom has deemed it necessary to use extensive amounts of emergency resources.
The constraint on the systems is estimated to last until Thursday, 7 November, and while load-shedding is not expected, the systems are still vulnerable.
Eskom has said the vulnerability of the systems has come from several variables, including inadequate maintenance and aging of the power plants. The constraint on the systems, as well as their vulnerability means that if more units are lost unexpectedly, load shedding may be implemented at short notice.
Eskom is working to restore the stability of the electrical systems, but until this can be done residents are urged to use electricity sparingly to prevent the loss of more units. Turn off geysers, non-essential lighting, and any appliances that are not being used in order to reduce the current demand. If the demand can be lowered, then the loss of more units can be prevented and load-shedding can therefore be avoided.
Eskom has promised to keep their customers updated on the state of the system as well as the progress of their recovery efforts.
