Power utility Eskom implemented stage 1 load shedding on Thursday morning.

“Due to increased electricity demand and a shortage of generation capacity due to power station units being on maintenance, Eskom has implemented stage 1 load shedding and this is likely to continue until 10pm this evening,” Eskom said.

“Eskom would like to assure customers that load shedding is implemented as a necessary measure to protect the power system and to ensure that maintenance is carried out in order to guarantee that our supply of electricity can be maintained in the long term.”

Any unexpected changes on the “vulnerable and constrained power system” could lead to a change in the load shedding stage at short notice, Eskom warned.

Eskom urged customers to consider energy efficient ways of staying warm during the currently cold weather conditions across the country. SABC