JOHANNESBURG: Power cuts are expected over the weekend as electricity supply remained constrained, Eskom said yesterday.
"While the demand for electricity is expected to be met today and tomorrow, there is a very high risk of load-shedding over
the weekend," the power utility said .
"Eskom has targeted the weekend to conduct load shedding, should the need arise, so as to limit the impact on the economy."
The constrained power system was partially due to the "urgent planned maintenance" at the Cahora Bassa transmission line.
"A portion of the capacity normally imported from Cahora Bassa will be unavailable on Sunday as the plant undergoes
urgent planned maintenance."
"The weekend will also be utilised to build up water reserves for the pumped storage schemes which use water to generate
electricity."
Eskom also needed to conserve diesel supplies for the week ahead. "The capacity available to meet demand for electricity will
be reduced as a result thereby increasing the need for rotational load-shedding."
The power utility said its load-shedding schedules were available for its direct customers on its website. Customers could also
contact their call centre for additional information.
"Eskom calls on consumers to urgently switch off geysers, air conditioners, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances
throughout the day to alleviate the pressure on the system and limit the need for rotational load-shedding."
- Sapa