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Eskom Extends Loadshedding Until Late Friday Night

South African power utility Eskom confirmed Friday morning that Stage 1 load-shedding will be implemented from 06h00 until 23:00 today, 10 January 2020. In a statement on Friday, Eskom said as a result of some generating units returning to service, it was able to stop Stage 2 loadshedding at 06h00 this morning, at which point […]

10-01-20 07:26

South African power utility Eskom confirmed Friday morning that Stage 1 load-shedding will be implemented from 06h00 until 23:00 today, 10 January 2020.

load shedding south africa
Photo: SANews.gov.za

In a statement on Friday, Eskom said as a result of some generating units returning to service, it was able to stop Stage 2 loadshedding at 06h00 this morning, at which point Stage 1 was implemented… and will continue until 23h00.

“Our pumped storage schemes have been sufficiently replenished, and we continue to work to improve on the levels of diesel at our open cycle gas turbine generators.

“These emergency reserves will be used to supplement generation capacity today,” said Eskom.

The SA power utility said its intention is to use as little diesel as possible in order to manage its costs.

“Our diesel generators will therefore only be used in the event of emergencies to back up our other units.”

Eskom’s teams continue to work around the clock to return units from planned and unplanned outages.

“Owing to inadequate maintenance over a number of years, the system remains vulnerable to unplanned outages or breakdowns which are at 12,098 MW as at 04h00 on Frday morning.”

One Capetonian resident, Edward Robbins, explained on Wednesday for those overseas:  “Load shedding has become like an out-of-control seesaw. It’s on, then it’s off, then it’s on… but then it’s suspended… then it’s on again for tomorrow, then it’s not, then it’s on for the next two days. Crazy.”

Eskom reminded customers that loadshedding is an essential and controlled measure to ensure that the integrity of the grid is not compromised.

Eskom has assured customers it would provide updates for their plan for the weekend, and the week ahead.

Eskom also urged South Africans to check their loadshedding schedules on their website (loadshedding.eskom.co.za) or through the customer contact centre on 0860037566.

The power utility called on the public to reduce demand expressing that a concerted collective effort can help to avoid or reduce the level of loadshedding.