Eskom now asking the public to ‘avoid using electricity’

However, it looks like Eskom are getting a little brave with their announcements. The firm warned that ‘heavier stages of load shedding’ could be implemented, if further breakdowns are experienced throughout the day – but they’ve also got a new tactic.

Apparently it’s all our fault, for using too much electricity before AND after working hours…

South Africans asked to ‘cut down’ their electricity usage during THESE hours

In their latest statement, Eskom revealed that three significant trips had wiped out generation units at Arnot, Grootvlei, and Matla. Almost 19 000 MW has been taken off the grid, largely due to unplanned breakdowns. And now we’re being told to carry the burden.

The embattled SOE has asked South Africans to ‘cut down on their electricity use’, between 5:00 to 9:00 in the morning, and 16:00 to 22:00 in the evening. In other words, for ten hours a day, Eskom would like us to avoid using power as we normally would.

“We would like to remind the public that load shedding is implemented only as a last resort to protect the national grid. We therefore urge all South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly, especially between 5:00 – 9:00, and 16:00 – 22:00. Eskom will promptly communicate, should there be any changes to the power system.”

Eskom statement on the requirement for South Africans to ‘use less electricity’ at peak times

• Speechless. For those struggling to believe your eyes, here’s how the statement appears on Eskom’s official Twitter account:

#POWERALERT1

With evening peak supply constraints persisting, Stage 2 loadshedding will again be implemented from 17:00 – 22:00 tonight, with the possibility of higher stages should any breakdowns occur during the day pic.twitter.com/b2ExoCzP1u

— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) May 10, 2022