The daily power consumption during peak times, especially at night, is currently higher than Eskom plans.
On Wednesday, the power supplier appealed to South Africans to urgently reduce all power consumption between 17:00 and 21:00.
The expected power consumption during these times is 29,609 MW, but on Tuesday the demand for power stood at 33,423 MW – much higher than predicted.
According to Eskom, the cold weather is the reason why the power consumption has suddenly increased.
“We appeal to the public to switch off all non-essential appliances during peak times – such as geysers, pool pumps and electric heaters,” says the power supplier.
“The reduction in power consumption will help to relieve pressure on the system and avoid higher phase load shedding.”
Phase 5 and 6 load shedding continues to be introduced alternately until Friday.
