"The system remains constrained and vulnerable, with generating plant performing at very low levels of reliability," the state-owned power utility said in a statement.

With unplanned outages below 9200MW as at 8am on Sunday, the probability of load-shedding was low, but should there be a significant shift in the system Eskom may need to load-shed at short notice. There was sufficient diesel for open cycle gas turbines and water at the pumped storage schemes to supplement the shortage of capacity, if required.   

The Emergency Response Command Centre (ERCC) continued to monitor the system closely and the prognosis for the coming week would be communicated later on Sunday.

"Eskom wishes to remind customers that any unexpected shift, such as additional unplanned breakdowns or the unavailability of diesel for open cycle gas turbines or low water levels at the pumped storage schemes, could result in load-shedding at short notice."

A concerted collective effort to reduce demand could help to lessen the level of load-shedding. And as such, Eskom again urged customers to assist by helping to reduce demand by using electricity sparingly.

African News Agency (ANA)