"The much improved generation system performance, coupled with low weekend demand, has allowed for sufficient recovery in the emergency generation reserves. However, the possibility that load shedding may be implemented at short notice during the week remains high," Eskom said in a statement on Sunday evening.

"Unplanned breakdowns" or outages were at 10,292 MW as at 4.10 pm on Sunday afternoon and planned maintenance outages were at 6552 MW.

"It is only through partnership between Eskom and all stakeholders that we may soon emerge from these difficult times. We urge every South African to cooperate in managing electricity consumption with care to help us minimise load shedding. We thank you for your co-operation and understanding so far. We request customers to continue to use electricity sparingly and to assist us in reducing demand," the statement said.

African News Agency