"This is due to a shortage of generation capacity as several units are currently out of service due to planned and unplanned outages," it said yesterday.
Stage one of load shedding allows for up to 1000MW to be shed off the grid, while stage two allows for up to 2000MW to be shed. Stage three of load shedding allows for up to 4000MW to be shed.
"Eskom would like to assure customers that load shedding is implemented as a necessary measure to protect the power system from a complete blackout," said the power utility.
It called on all customers to reduce the load on the electricity grid by urgently switching off geysers, air conditioners, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances throughout the day, which will reduce electricity demand.
Commercial customers, particularly shopping centres and office blocks, can also make a big difference by switching off non-essential lights and not leaving office equipment such as photocopiers and computers in standby mode after hours.
Eskom would publish load shedding schedules which are available on the Eskom website (http://loadshedding.eskom.co.za) for Eskom customers. Eskom customers can also contact customer call centre 0860 037 566.
Municipal customers should contact their municipalities for information.
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