Eskom: Load-shedding not expected for now but grid under pressure
- Eskom has warned that its power system is under severe pressure but load-shedding is not in the pipeline, for now
- Sikonathi Mantshantsha said the power utility has had to switch off electricity in high-density areas with illegal connections
- The Eskom spokesperson said there is also an extra strain on the system due to the cold weather
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Power utility Eskom has warned that its power system is under severe pressure but load-shedding should not be expected, for now.
According to Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha, the power utility has had to switch off electricity in high-density areas with high numbers of illegal connections.
Mantshantsha said:
"We have been battling, particularly in the residential areas of Gauteng. The high-density areas where you have a lot of illegal connections and overloading. When the infrastructure gets overloaded we get a lot of transformers exploding due to the overload."
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He added that they have taken steps to switch off power during the peak hours in the morning and afternoon. They have done this in order to protect the infrastructure.
In an interview with eNCA, Mantshantsha said there has been extra strain on the system as people experience cold weather.
He also encouraged people to cook earlier than their usual hours to avoid pressure on the grid. Mantshantsha also thanked South Africans for complying as this has helped to avoid load-shedding.
As the temperatures around the country drop to single-digit numbers, Eskom has urged people to use electricity sparingly.
Briefly.co.za reported that Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Godhan said Eskom still had a long way to go before it fully recovers.
People are urged to switch off non-essential appliances such as pool pumps and necessary lights.
Around the country, Eskom is locating and removing illegal connections. The power utility has partnered with the South African Police Services.
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Source: Briefly News
