UPDATE: Stage 1 load shedding risk remains high, Eskom warns



31-07-2018
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Fin24
Source

The risk of Stage 1 rotational load shedding remains high for Tuesday evening as a result of the industrial action, but will only be implemented if absolutely necessary, Eskom said in an early-afternoon update.

It said the electricity system remains constrained with a high probability of Stage 1 rotational load shedding on Tuesday evening from 17:00 to 21:00 as a result of the industrial action which continues to impact operations at Eskom sites.

Eskom said it has sought the services of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to facilitate the engagement between the organisation and union leaders to resolve the impasse.

"We are hopeful that all parties will put South Africa first as we endeavour in finding an amicable solution," Eskom said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the South African Police Service has been mobilised to maintain order and to enable safe access to power stations as these are National Key Points.

Eskom advised consumers to switch off geysers during the day - especially during peak periods of 05:00 to 10:00 in the morning and 17:00 to 22:00 at night as well as all non-essential lighting and electricity appliances.

Customers are advised to keep checking their load shedding schedules on the Eskom or municipal websites and plan on the assumption that load shedding will take place.

Eskom told Fin24 that so far on Tuesday no incidents of intimidation or vandalism had been reported.

Earlier on Tuesday City Power said in a statement that, if Eskom implements load shedding, then some residents of Johannesburg will definitely be affected.

City Power will inform its customers if, and when, load shedding takes place.

Late on Monday night Eskom indicated that the risk of load shedding remains high for Tuesday morning as a result of industrial action at Eskom power stations which has impacted operations. It, however, said it will only implement power cuts if absolutely necessary.

"Load shedding is conducted rotationally as a measure of last resort to protect the power system from a total collapse or blackout," Eskom explained.

The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), one of three unions at Eskom, on Monday confirmed there had been disturbances at some power stations, attributing them to Eskom's position on bonuses. It said workers are unhappy with Eskom's position of insisting that there will not be bonuses paid this year due to the power utility's financial struggles.

The NUM, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and Solidarity are currently discussing the latest Eskom wage offer. Eskom initially took a no-increase position.

Eskom recently reported a net loss of R2.3bn and total debt of R367bn.

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