Load-shedding is becoming an increasingly regular occurrence. According to Eskom this is largely due to the unexpected loss of several generation units and the increased demand for electricity, for which the entity currently does not have the capacity.
The entity said that load-shedding is being implemented to create capacity and replenish the emergency water and diesel reserves that are required to meet the higher demand for electricity.
Another factor contributing to the power shortage is the persistent rainfall, which has caused flooding at some power stations.
While Eskom is said to be working to avert an even bigger crisis, the Record is hoping to help residents prepare for this week’s expected load-shedding.
The schedule for 9 to 15 December shows the times and the blocks that will be affected.
Here are a few things to keep in mind regarding the load-shedding schedules:
• Eskom informs customers of the effective load-shedding times. If load-shedding is announced in the middle of your area’s scheduled time, you will have no power for the remainder of the time slot. For example: if your area is scheduled to have load-shedding from 4pm to 8.30pm, but Eskom only declares load-shedding from 6pm, you will still be without power from 6pm to 8.30pm
• If a higher stage of load shedding is declared while there is a lower stage being implemented, the time slot won’t change until the slot is complete. For example a time slot from 4pm to 8.30pm in Stage 2 will be completed, even if Stage 4 (with a different time for the area) is announced during that time.
• When reading the schedule, the load blocks are cumulative, so higher stages include the blocks mentioned in the lower stages. So Stage 1 includes only one mentioned block; Stage 3 includes the blocks mentioned in Stage 1, 2, and 3; and Stage 4 includes all blocks mentioned in that time slot.
• Give Eskom an extra 30 minutes to restore power after the slot has ended. If all the areas are turned on at once the substation may overload and power will trip.
• The power could be restored at any time, so residents are urged to treat their electricity supply points as live at all times.
To find out what load block your area falls under, download the EskomSePush (ESP) app and enter your suburb, or visit the City Power website: https://www.citypower.co.za.
