Load shedding to move to Stage 3

Wednesday, 15 April 2015: Eskom will move from stage 2 to stage 3 load shedding at 16:00 today, which is expected to continue until22:00. This is due to a further shortage of generation capacity as additional units have had to be taken out of service for unplanned maintenance caused by technical faults.

The electricity supply system remains very vulnerable due to a shortage of generation capacity as several units are currently out of service due to planned and unplanned outages. Eskom would like to assure customers that load shedding is implemented as a necessary measure to protect the power system. Any additional changes on the already vulnerable and constrained power system could lead to a change in the stage of load shedding at short notice. We will communicate if there is a need to change stages.

Eskom calls on all customers to reduce the load on the electricity grid by urgently switching off geysers, air conditioners, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances throughout the day, which will reduce electricity demand. We would like to thank all customers who continue to use electricity sparingly. Every little bit of saving counts as it reduces the severity of load shedding.

Commercial customers, particularly shopping centres and office blocks, can also make a big difference by switching off non-essential lights and not leaving office equipment such as photocopiers and computers in standby mode after hours.

Eskom will use the published load shedding schedules which are available on the Eskom website (http://loadshedding.eskom.co.za) for Eskom customers.  Eskom customers can also contact our customer call centre 0860 037 566.

Municipal customers should contact their municipalities for information.

Eskom will provide regular updates on the status of the power system through all the media platforms.

Statement issued by Eskom, April 15 2015

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