Check update for SATURDAY Load shedding.

“Eskom Announces Load Shedding Changes and Offers Tips for Coping”

Introduction Eskom, South Africa’s power utility, has provided updates on its load shedding schedule and offered valuable tips to help residents mitigate the risks associated with power outages. These changes include a temporary shift from Stage 5 to Stage 3 load shedding, effective from 05:00 on Saturday.

Load Shedding Changes Eskom attributed the need for Stage 5 load shedding to ongoing maintenance work and the recovery of some generating units. This escalated stage of load shedding was implemented but is set to be downgraded to Stage 3 starting at 05:00 on Saturday.

Load Shedding Schedule To access the updated Load Shedding Schedule for specific areas, residents are encouraged to visit the provided link.

Tips for Coping with Load Shedding To help individuals and households better manage power outages, Eskom has offered six practical tips:

1. Utilize Surge Protection: Electric surges can cause significant damage to electronic equipment during power outages. Installing surge protection devices at your electrical distribution board or power outlets can minimize such damage.
2. Check Your Alarm System: Ensure that your alarm system is operational and that the backup battery is in good working condition. This ensures continued security during load shedding.
3. Have a Torch or Headlamp: Keep a torch or headlamp on hand, especially when arriving home at night during a power outage. Most smartphones have built-in torch functions, providing a convenient backup source of light.
4. Emergency Contacts: Save essential emergency contact information on your phone and keep a paper copy in a safe, easily accessible place. Include contacts for emergency services like the fire department, police, medical services, and also the contact details of friends and family, along with insurance information.
5. Charge Electronic Devices: Prioritize charging your cell phone, laptop, and tablet devices before scheduled blackouts. Consider having an emergency phone charger, such as a power bank, readily available for extended outages.
6. Gas for Cooking and Lighting: Prepare for load shedding by obtaining a small LP gas bottle and lamp. These provide ample lighting for larger areas and can be used for cooking and boiling water. Keeping hot water in a thermal flask allows for hot drinks even during power disruptions. It’s also wise to prepare meals in advance when anticipating scheduled blackouts.

In conclusion, Eskom’s load shedding updates and practical tips aim to assist residents in navigating the challenges posed by power outages, ensuring their safety and convenience during these periods of reduced electricity supply.