Rotational power cuts are expected to decrease by Sunday evening, Eskom said. “We are expecting to restore the load between 8pm and 10 [on Sunday],” spokesman Andrew Etzinger said.
Improvements to the power grid comes as the dams that the power utility uses to generate electricity were nearly full and maintenance is done.
“We need them to be full in order to minimise load shedding for the coming week,” he said.
However, Etzinger said that although most power cuts took place according to the load shedding schedule, there have been deviations.
“There have been deviations from the schedule from Eskom’s side and from the municipalities but we will look into it from next week.”
On Friday, Eskom said rotational power cuts would be implemented over the weekend in a bid to increase its water and diesel reserves.
“The power system is extremely constrained today [Friday] and into the weekend, which will necessitate the use of open cycle gas turbines for most of today,” Eskom said in a statement.
“We anticipate that a portion of the capacity normally imported from Cahora Bassa hydroelectric power station in Mozambique will be unavailable on Sunday as the plant undergoes urgent planned maintenance.”
The power utility said its load shedding schedules were available for its direct customers on its website. Customers could also contact their call centre for additional information.
They also urged people to use electricity sparingly
“Eskom calls on consumers to urgently switch off geysers, air conditioners, pool pumps and all nonessential appliances throughout the day to alleviate the pressure on the system and limit the need for rotational load shedding.”