Eskom’s Warning: Prepare for Possible Load Shedding This Weekend

As South Africa gears up for the weekend, Eskom has issued a crucial warning regarding the potential for load shedding, urging citizens to prepare for possible power interruptions.

This alert comes in the wake of recent statements from President Cyril Ramaphosa and other officials indicating that the electricity supply remains precarious, despite a significant period of uninterrupted power supply.

Current Situation

Eskom has recently celebrated over 107 consecutive days without load shedding, marking a notable achievement in its efforts to stabilize the national grid.

Eskom CEO Dan Marokane has pointed out that unplanned outages remain a concern, particularly as demand fluctuates during peak hours.

Factors Contributing to Load Shedding Risk

1. Increased Demand: As industries ramp up production and households increase their electricity usage during colder weather, demand is expected to rise significantly.
2. Transformer Overloading: Eskom has reported that many transformers across the country are frequently overloaded, with approximately 2,111 transformers at risk due to excessive consumption. This situation is exacerbated by issues such as electricity theft and unauthorized connections.
3. Unplanned Outages: Eskom’s operational recovery plan aims to reduce unplanned outages, but if these outages exceed 15,000 MW, the utility may need to implement load shedding again—potentially up to stage 2.

Recommendations for Consumers

To mitigate the risk of load shedding and protect their own electricity supply, Eskom advises consumers to take proactive steps:

• Reduce Consumption: Limit the use of non-essential appliances during peak hours, particularly between 5 AM to 7 AM and 5 PM to 7 PM.
• Ensure Legal Connections: Verify that all electricity connections are legal and that payments are up-to-date.
• Report Illegal Activities: Eskom encourages customers to report any suspicious activities related to electricity theft or vandalism through their Crime Line.

Conclusion

As we approach the weekend, it is essential for South Africans to remain vigilant regarding their energy consumption habits.