Eskom has warned that the continued increase in power supply across the country could see the return of loadshedding.
Eskom warns SA to reduce power usage
In one of the coldest weeks this winter, the power utility is pleading with South Africans to ditch electronic heating systems for more traditional methods in a bid to skirt rotational power cuts.
Following a weather warning issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), Eskom released a statement, on Tuesday, reminding South Africans of the consequences attached to using power unnecessarily.
“Eskom would like to appeal to the members of the public to reduce the usage of electricity as the cold conditions will put severe pressure on the power system,” the statement read.
Will loadshedding return this week?
At this time, Eskom has indicated that there is no need to worry much about the return of loadshedding. The power utility reminded South Africans that no rotational outages have been implemented since 13 June “due to some improvement in the performance of the generation fleet.”
“However, the cold front will increase the demand for electricity thereby putting pressure on the power system. Therefore, Eskom urges the people of South Africa to help reduce electricity usage in order to ease the pressure on the system,” the power utility added.
Things remain unclear on whether Eskom is playing down its ability to push the country through this frosty week. According to energy specialist Ted Blom who, on a number of occasions, has been spot-on with his loadshedding predictions, “electricity supply [is] going to be very tight again this week.”
Electricity supply going to be VERY tight again this week – plan for possible loadsheding
— Ted Blom (@tedblom) July 18, 2021