Cape Town - As Eskom implements Stage 2 load shedding, City of Cape Town residents have been advised to be prepared for the outages.
The City has issued a load shedding schedule to allow residents to be better prepared for the power cuts.
"The City of Cape Town advises residents to switch off energy-hungry appliances now to reduce the impact of load-shedding today," the City of Cape Town said in a statement.
"The City is able to generate additional energy because of its Steenbras Hydroelectric Power Scheme to support City-supply customers, but if demand increases, the City can only assist at Stage 1. Eskom is indicating that it is experiencing a system emergency. Be energy-wise now."
The City was able to react quickly to Stage 1 load shedding on Saturday due to residents cutting their usage.
The City has urged residents to reduce consumption on Sunday, as Stage 2 load shedding was in effect.
"Residents can start by doing the following:
* Switch off those appliances that you don’t need
* Delay switching on lights and appliances until after the peak periods (between 17:00 and 21:00) whenever possible
* Switch off your pool pump, geyser and other large electrical equipment, and never run both at the same time
* Adjust air conditioners to 23 degrees Celsius if you need to use them
* Click here for more tips to save electricity and follow load-shedding developments here.
"Although a load-shedding announcement is typically made with very short notice, simple interventions can mean the difference between keeping the lights on across the whole city and being shed as per the schedule," the City said.
Important tips:
* Communication: Ensure that your cell phone, laptop, tablet and radio are always fully charged when power is available. This will allow you to be able to communicate with friends and family during load-shedding
* Transport: Make sure that your vehicle always has fuel in the tank as most petrol stations are unable to pump fuel during power outages.
* Cash: Keep some cash on you as ATMs cannot operate without electricity
* Security and safety: Backup batteries for electrically operated gates, garage doors and security systems should be kept in a good working condition and be able to last through periods of load-shedding. Store temporary lighting such as battery-powered torches, gas lamps and candles in places where they will be easy to find in the dark
* Eating: If you do not have a gas stove, prepare meals before the power is scheduled to be switched off. Boil water in your kettle and keep it in thermos flasks for hot drinks. You can also use an insulating cover on teapots, pots and pans to keep drinks and meals warm
* Most medication requiring refrigeration can be kept in a closed fridge for several hours without spoiling but you should check with your doctor or pharmacist if in doubt
@TheCapeArgus