NATIONAL NEWS - As near-freezing temperatures grip the country, Eskom has pushed load shedding to stage 5 from 16:00 on Friday until midnight.
Thereafter, stage 4 load shedding will be implemented until 05:00 on Sunday while stage 2 will be implemented from 05:00 until 16:00 on Sunday.
Eskom spokesperson Menzi Mngomezulu Eskom will publish another update should any significant changes occur.
Breakdowns
Mngomezulu said breakdowns have reduced to 16 302MW of generating capacity while the generating capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 3 616MW.
“Over the past 24 hours, a generating unit each at Arnot, Duvha and two generating units at Matla power stations were returned to service.
“In the same period, a generating unit each at Grootvlei, Kendal, Kriel and two generating units at Camden power stations were taken offline for repairs. The delay in returning to service a generating unit at Kendal and two generating units at Tutuka power stations is contributing to the current capacity constraints,” Mngomezulu said.
Appeal
Eskom has appealed to the public to assist in reducing demand by switching off non-essential appliances.
“We would like to thank those who do heed the call to use electricity sparingly and efficiently, including switching off geysers and pool pumps from 17:00 to 21:00, as this lowers demand and helps in alleviating the pressure on the power system and contributes to lower stages of load shedding,” it said.
Emergency services
Meanwhile Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) has assured residents that officials will remain on high alert to deal with any emergencies during the cold weather.
The South African Weather Service (Saws) issued severe weather warnings across South Africa including Johannesburg from Friday morning throughout the weekend.
Joburg EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said officials have took note of the severe weather conditions for Gauteng and will be on standby.
“From our side as the city of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services, we remain on high alert monitoring all seven regions of the city, especially our most vulnerable communities, our informal settlements, to make sure that we are able to respond to all incidents that might occur throughout the city,” said Mulaudzi.
