Eskom declared a power emergency with large industrial customers on Sunday, the power utility said.

“Eskom has declared a power emergency with large industrial customers, requiring them to urgently reduce their electricity usage by 10 percent from 3pm to 8pm today,” Eskom said in a statement.

“The declaration of a power emergency follows in addition to the implementation of stage two of load shedding earlier today [Sunday].”

The power system experienced an increase in demand due to weather conditions and increased load losses as a result of multiple tripping of generating units at the Majuba and Matimba power stations.

“Eskom has lost a total of 1700 MW of generating power,” the power utility said.

“Eskom is now following the protocol in terms of its emergency procedures in order to secure the power system.”

Due to loss of additional generating capacity, Eskom implemented stage two load shedding at noon on Sunday and this would continue until 10pm Sunday evening.

“The risk of load shedding for tomorrow [Monday] and Tuesday is medium to low. This is owing to steady progress made in building reserves to limit the risk of load shedding next week,” Eskom said.

“Eskom calls on all electricity users to urgently switch off geysers, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances in order to allow the power system to recover.”

It would provide regular updates on the power system’s status through all media platforms. SAPA