Eskom: 'Expect load shedding during morning rush hours'

Earlier this week, the embattled power utility suspended load shedding in the mornings and afternoons to alleviate traffic congestion during the Stage 2 load shedding. 

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However, spokesperson Sikhonathi Mantshantsha says the power utility is experiencing a higher demand than predicted. 

"The difference today in the load shedding schedule is that there will be no break in loadshedding between 6 and 9am. We will load shed throughout the day as we have higher then projected demand."

"About tomorrow and this afternoon, we will give a periodic update daily. We will issue power alerts to the public in which we tell them about the next few hours," adds Mantshantsha. 

Eskom says the decision to suspend power cuts during peak traffic hours was part of an initial pilot programme to help ease the impact of load shedding.

"As this is not possible every day, it will be confirmed each day - dependent on the risk based on the available capacity and emergency reserves on the day," concludes Mantshantsha.