Tips to Lighten the Load(shed) This Evening

Eskom has announced it will implement stage 1 load shedding from 16:00 today, which is likely to continue until 22:00 this evening. This is due to a shortage of generation capacity as several units are currently out of service due to planned and unplanned outages.

But before you get too upset, music promoter and former Cinema frontman Jarrod Aston has a useful list of tips to get you through the dark hours…

Things to do during load shedding:

• Talk to your family
• Meditate
• Light candles
• Write a poem/song
• Make a bucket list
• Sing a song
• Read a book by candlelight
• Relax
• Have a candle lit bath
• Go for a walk
• Play a board game by candlelight
• Stop complaining

Oh, and of course – have a braai!

Eskom said “any additional changes on the already vulnerable and constrained power system could lead to a change in the stage of load shedding at short notice”, adding that “Eskom would like to assure customers that load shedding is a necessary measure to protect the power system.”

The beleagured power supplier is calling on all its customers to reduce the load on the electricity grid by urgently switching off geysers, air conditioners, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances throughout the day, which will reduce the severity of load shedding.

Commercial customers, particularly shopping centres and office blocks, can also make a big difference by switching off non-essential lights and not leaving office equipment such as photocopiers and computers in standby mode after hours.

Eskom will use the published load shedding schedules which are available on the Eskom website (see below) for Eskom customers.

More Info

• http://loadshedding.eskom.co.za
• Eskom customers can also contact its customer call centre on 0860 037 566.
• Municipal customers should contact their municipalities for information.