DA MP, Natasha Mazzone, says on the party's website that Eskom apparently issued warnings of the impending blackouts to municipalities.

The DA has written to Eskom chairperson, Jabu Mabuza, to clarify the matter.

Energy expert, Ted Blom, said the primary reason for load-shedding is a shortage of coal.

“There is still a severe shortage of coal at Eskom. They put out a tender about two weeks ago for another 400 odd million tonnes of coal and in total, they need more than 900 million tonnes of coal and that's equal to one power station's consumption over 40-years,” said Blom.

UPDATE: Eskom has, in the meantime, commented. 

"Eskom communicated its summer plan on 4 September 2019 at a media briefing held at Megawatt Park, where we indicated that no load-shedding is expected over summer," the power utility says in a statement.

However, Eskom adds the risk remains as the system is still tight and vulnerable while more maintenance is planned during the summer months.

The power utility says Mabuza is open to discussing possible load-shedding details with Mazzone.

The utility has reiterated its commitment to ensuring power stability whilst urging consumers to use electricity sparingly.

eNCA