Eskom announced on Wednesday, 9 June that load shedding will continue for the rest of the week due to breakdowns and depleted reserves in the power supply.
“Due to the continued delays in returning generation units to service at Kusile, Tutuka, Duvha, Kendal and Koeberg Power Stations, Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 10:00 today until 22:00 on Sunday night,” Eskom said in a statement on Twitter.
Further to the breakdown in generation units, more power is being used due to “high winter demand throughout the day over the past few days as brought about by colder temperatures”.
Eskom says the emergency generation reserves have been used extensively in the past days to avoid load shedding during the day.
The power utility has said users can expect this to continue throughout winter.
Ways to save electricity:
1. Manage your geyser. Switch it off if unused or if you leave on holiday.
2. Install a timer on your geyser.
3. Cover your hot water heater with an insulation blanket.
4. Reduce the temperature of your geyser thermostat to 55°C or less.
5. Invest in a solar geyser and save up to 40% on your electricity bill.
6. Save up to 16% on your bill by insulating your home properly.
7. Consider installing energy efficient windows.
8. Save up to 10% on your bill by setting your pool pump to run for a shorter period each day: 6 hours in summer and 4 in winter are enough.
9. Replace your old bulbs for LED equivalent. They use 90% less electricity and last up to 20 years.
10. Invest in energy STAR appliances and electronics.
11. Save 6% on your bill by switching off your appliances at the wall.
12. Run full loads in the washing machine and dishwasher
13. Don’t set your fridge temperature colder than necessary: set your refrigerator between 2°C and 5°C and your freezer between -20°C and – 22°C
14. Install an energy saving-showerhead: they are designed to use up to 40% less hot water.
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