Eskom temporarily suspends load shedding – Here’s the latest

Eskom has suspended load shedding between 12:00 and 17:00 on Saturday, 9 December.

The power utility had announced that it would implement Stage 2 and 3 load shedding alternatively.

ESKOM SUSPENDS LOAD SHEDDING

In a brief statement, Eskom cited improved generation capacity availability and adequate emergency reserves as the reason behind.

“Stage 2 loadshedding will resume from 17:00 until 21:00 this evening. Thereafter, loadshedding will be suspended again from 21:00 today until 16:00 on Sunday,” the power utility said.

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#LoadsheddingUpdate

Saturday, 09 December 2023:

Due to improved generation capacity availability and adequate emergency reserves, loadshedding will be suspended at 12:00 midday today until 17:00.

Stage 2 loadshedding will resume from 17:00 until 21:00 this evening.…

— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) December 9, 2023

ALSO READ: Electricity Minister disputes Mbalula’s claim that load shedding will end in 2023

SIX TIPS TO MITIGATE AGAINST RISKS CAUSED BY ROLLING BLACKOUTS:

• Make use of surge protection: Electric surges are one of the biggest causes of damage to equipment during a power outage. Installing a surge protection device can help minimise some damage in unforeseen situations. Have a surge protection device fitted to your electrical distribution board or at the power outlet to the electronic device.
• Ensure that your alarm system is working and the backup battery is fully functional to provide power to the system in the event of load shedding.
• Spare torch or headlamp: Keep a torch in your car if you arrive home at night during a power outage. Most smartphones have built-in torch or torch apps, which come in handy during unexpected power outages.
• Emergency contact information: Save emergency contact information on your phone, but also keep a paper copy safe and accessible. This should include contacts for emergency services such as the fire department, police, and/or medical services. Also include the contact information of friends and/or family along with insurance information. 
• Charge your cell phone, laptop, and tablet: Ensure your cellphone, laptop, and tablet devices are fully charged ahead of scheduled blackouts. Be sure to charge them again as soon as possible after the power returns. It’s also a good idea to have an emergency phone charger (like a power bank) close by. This comes in handy during extended power outages. 
• Gas for cooking and lighting: Get a small LP gas bottle and lamp. It gives good quality lighting for a large area and can also be used for cooking and boiling water. It’s a good idea to keep hot water in a thermal flask so that you can make hot drinks. Also, consider preparing meals beforehand if you know when there’s going to be a scheduled blackout.