NATIONAL NEWS - Eskom said that it would be moving to Stage 2 load shedding from 14:00 this afternoon.
This morning it was scaled down to Stage 1, the first time in 5 days.
The reason given is that the demand has significantly increased due to the cold weather, Demand is currently 2 000MW higher than yesterday, and it is forecast that evening peak demand will be much higher than yesterday and the highest so far this year.
This is putting severe strain on the system, forcing Eskom to burn large amounts of diesel in order to continue load shedding to Stage 1. This is rapidly depleting our diesel stocks, jeopardising the ability to utilise these resources for the remainder of the week.
Eskom teams are working hard to return to service additional generation units and they urge consumers to assist by reducing the usage of electricity.
"While we appreciate it is cold, we urge the public to assist by switching off heating appliances, geysers and other appliances in order to alleviate the pressure on the system."
Areas will be affected as follows:
- George not affected.
- Uniondale not affected.
- Knysna and Plett 14:00-16:30
- Sedgefield not affected.
- Mossel Bay 14:00-16:30
- Oudtshoorn 14:00-16:30
- Riversdale, Albertinia and Gouritsmond 14:00-16:30
- Stilbaai 14:00-16:30
- Heidelberg and Slangrivier 20:00-22:00
- Graaff-Reinet 14:00-15:30 and 21:00-22:00
- Cradock, Steytlerville and Willowmore not affected
- Rietbron 12:00-14:30
- Klipplaat 17:00-19:30
- Jansenville 15:00-17:30
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