Electricity savings needed to avoid cuts

ESKOM may leave South Africans out in the cold this winter, as a load-shedding threat looms.

The national energy utility said yesterday the power grid was severely constrained and any further increase in electricity usage could result in the implementation of load- shedding schedules.

"Eskom calls on consumers to urgently switch off electrical heaters, geysers, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances. We require voluntary savings of at least 10% in order to manage demand," it said.

Spikes in energy consumption have especially been prevalent during peak hours between 5pm and 9pm, and the onset of winter has contributed to the increased demand.

Warnings of possible power cuts come shortly after record low temperatures hit parts of the Eastern Cape. In Elliot the mercury dropped to -10°C earlier this weak, while Graaff-Reinet and Somerset East fell to -7°C and -6°C respectively.

In Nelson Mandela Bay the coldest temperature was 1°C, measured in Uitenhage.

Fortunately weather forecasters predict a more pleasant weekend for Nelson Mandela Bay, with maximum temperatures tomorrow and on Sunday of 24°C and 20°C respectively.

Municipal spokesman Roland Williams said the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality had received no instructions from Eskom to implement load-shedding.

"As a precautionary measure we do, however, want to advise our citizens to monitor and reduce their energy consumption so that we can avoid load-shedding."

Eskom said it was using all emergency resources available "to keep the lights on" and that load-shedding would only be implemented as a last resort to protect the national grid from a total shutdown. - Riaan Marais