Eskom calls on all customers to reduce electricity usage

Tuesday, 19 November 2013: The power system is severely constrained today due to the loss of additional generating units from our power station fleet and the extensive use of emergency reserves. This has necessitated the need for Eskom to declare an emergency in terms of the approved regulatory protocols.

Eskom is now following the protocol in terms of its emergency procedures in order to secure the power system. We have alerted our key industrial customers and have required them to reduce their load by a minimum of 10%.

While we will make every effort to avoid load shedding, we are hopeful that by applying these measures we will achieve the required load reduction necessary to protect the national grid. Eskom calls on all its customers to urgently switch off geysers, pool pumps, air conditioning and all non-essential appliances from 5pm to 9pm. As workers leave office buildings this evening we ask that they please switch off lights with the exception of the security lighting.

As a precautionary measure, we will be publishing load shedding schedules for Eskom direct customers on our website from 5pm today (http://loadshedding.eskom.co.za/).

Customers can also contact our call centre 0860 037 566 for additional information. Load shedding schedules will only be utilised for the duration of the constraint and Eskom will provide regular updates on the status of the power system.

Consumers are urged to switch off pool pumps, geysers and unnecessary lights from 5pm to 9pm tonight. Where possible we recommend that you switch off air conditioning unless necessary, in which case it should be set at 23°C. Remember to watch out for the Power Alert and the Power Bulletin on television to obtain near real-time status of the system. For tips on how to trim 10% off your consumption, visit here.

Statement issued by Eskom, November 19 2013

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