Eskom calls on all customers to reduce electricity usage, as it declares an emergency
Thursday, 20 February 2014: The power system is severely constrained today due to the loss of additional generating units from our power station fleet, reduced imports 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, as a measure to protect the national electricity grid.
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% as from 14h00 today. The emergency is in force until 21h00 tonight. This will be reviewed thereafter to determine the way forward.
While we will make every effort to avoid load shedding, we are hopeful that by applying these measures, coupled with support from all electricity consumers, we will achieve the required load reduction necessary to protect the national grid.
Eskom calls on all its commercial customers, particularly shopping centres and retail outlets to immediately switch off geysers and to adjust air-conditioning temperature levels to 23⁰C. As workers leave office buildings this evening we ask that they please switch off lights with the exception of the security lighting, and avoid leaving on air-conditioning overnight.
Residential consumers are called on to switch off geysers, air conditioners, lights and non- essential appliances from 5pm to 9pm.
As a precautionary measure Eskom's load shedding schedules are available for Eskom direct customers on our website (see here). 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.
For tips on how to trim 10% off your consumption, please visit www.eskom.co.za/idm .
Statement issued by Eskom, February 20 2014
Click here to sign up to receive our free daily headline email newsletter
