Capetonian Muslims may be able to breathe a little sigh of relief after Eskom assured that it was working hard to limit the possibility of load shedding during the upcoming winter months. The holy month of Ramadan is scheduled to take place during the heart of winter this year, raising concerns that Muslims may be further discomforted as a result of the country’s crippled power supply.

However the Eskom’s general manager for its Western Cape unit, Alwie Lester said the power utility had upped its maintenance on several stations in preceding months, so as to ensure as minimum an impact as possible during winter.

However there were no assurances that load shedding would be non-existent during Ramadan, especially since the country’s power grid remains volatile. Any unplanned faults could likely result in cuts.

“What we try and do, particularly with the faults that we are conscious of like boiler tube leaks and excessive ash etc. is try and work through the night to clear those so that when peak time comes when don’t experience it. But it is very difficult because you are looking at plants that are over 40 years old, and equipment that has been around forever,” Lester explained.

Although the electricity crisis could have an impact on mosque facilities if the lights go out, Lester said it was advisable that all mosques have some form of alternate generators on site. These could help ensure that sound equipment still worked for the Athaan, and that sufficient lighting was provided to those attending the night prayers.

“It’s very difficult to say we can exclude Masjid’s from the schedule because of how deeply entrenched they are in the network. What i think we can do is make sure the Masjids are efficient during those times,” he stated.

In regards to households, gas stoves were advised to ensure a hot meal for those breaking their fast.

One of the main concerns with Eskom’s latest load shedding schedule has been that some areas have experienced power cuts that have extended several hours beyond their two and a half hour allocation. Lester stressed that this should not be the case, and any individual experiencing such a scenario need contact Eskom, as it was most likely some form of fault.

“We do the switching remotely, either through telecoms or through cellular network. If it doesn’t switch back we have to physically send someone to that site to actually go and open or close the breaker for us,” he said.

Eskom customers have also been urged to switch of all appliances, and remove all plugs at the wall socket during load shedding, in order to avoid power surges that may cause damage. VOC (Mubeen Banderker)