Africa > Southern Africa > South Africa > Eskom Cuts Load Shedding, but It Could Restart Later ,South Africa

South Africa: Eskom Cuts Load Shedding, but It Could Restart Later ,South Africa

2015/07/11

Eskom ended stage 1 load shedding on Friday, which started at 08:30, but said it could be re-instated at 17:00.

The power utility said in a statement at 14:10 on Friday that "due to the improved performance at our power stations and thanks to customers decreasing electricity request, Eskom stopped load shedding at 13:41 on 10 July 2015. It is significant to note that restoration of power takes longer in some areas."

While Eskom had implemented stage 1 load shedding across the country, two of the country's biggest cities - Johannesburg and Cape Town - announced on Friday that they had averted the need cut power in certain areas due to independent plans they had initiated to bypass Eskom's request, while still shedding the required load.

"As the electricity system is constrained and vulnerable, the risk of implementing load shedding tonight from 17:00 remains high," Eskom said.

"We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by load shedding.

"In winter the electricity request peaks in the morning and evening as additional electricity is used during these times. We appeal to all our customers to continue to reduce their electricity usage throughout the day but to be aware of the need to save additional during the peak periods from 06:00 to 10:00 and 17:00 to 21:00.

"As the evening temperatures begin to drop, we urge electricity users to consider energy efficient ways of keeping warm. This is particularly significant as we are currently experiencing cold weather across the country.

"Eskom will provide regular updates on the status of the power system through all the media platforms."

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