Eskom, South Africa’s national power utility, has provided an update on the load-shedding schedule for the week ahead. In a statement released on Sunday, Eskom announced that load-shedding would be suspended until Monday afternoon.
The power utility cited stable generation capacity, with breakdowns at 13,158MW and planned maintenance at 6,051MW of generation capacity, as the reason for the suspension of load-shedding.
However, from Monday afternoon, stage 2 load-shedding will be implemented. This means that power cuts will occur between 4 pm and 5 am on Tuesday.
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Following this, load-shedding will be suspended from 5 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Tuesday, and then stage 2 load-shedding will be implemented again from 4 p.m. until 5 a.m. on Wednesday. This pattern will be repeated daily until further notice.
Eskom assured the public that they would communicate any significant changes to the load-shedding schedule. It is important for consumers to stay updated and plan accordingly to minimize the impact of power cuts.
Understanding Load-Shedding
Load-shedding is a measure implemented by Eskom to prevent a total collapse of the national power grid. It involves the controlled and temporary interruption of electricity supply to certain areas.
The purpose of load-shedding is to balance the supply and demand of electricity, especially during times of high demand or when there are constraints in the generation capacity.
During load-shedding, different areas or groups of customers are scheduled for power cuts at different times. This rotational approach ensures that the power grid remains stable and prevents a complete blackout.
Tips for Dealing with Load-Shedding
Load-shedding can be inconvenient, but with some preparation, it is possible to minimize the impact. Here are some tips:
- Stay informed: Keep track of the load-shedding schedule and plan your activities accordingly. Eskom provides regular updates on their website and social media platforms.
- Have alternative lighting: Invest in battery-powered lights or candles to have backup lighting during power cuts.
- Charge your devices: Make sure your cell phone, laptop, and other essential devices are fully charged before load-shedding begins.
- Stock up on essentials: Keep a supply of non-perishable food, bottled water, and other essential items in case of extended power cuts.
- Be mindful of security: Ensure that your home security system has a backup power source and that you have a plan in place for any security-related issues during load-shedding.
By following these tips and staying prepared, you can navigate through load-shedding with minimal disruption to your daily life.
