Eskom suspends load shedding for appropriations bill, cuts to continue over weekend
Eskom will suspend load shedding between 12pm and 5pm to allow Parliament to pass the appropriations bill.
The power utility had implemented stage 2 load shedding, which was expected to last until Friday evening.
The embattled utility says the short suspension is to allow parliament to pass the appropriation bill in a virtual sitting, as requested by the deputy speaker.
“Passing these bills is essential to keeping government operating, as without the relevant appropriations there will be no funding for key state functions, such as hospitals, law enforcement and other essential services,” says Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha.
“The suspension of load shedding has been made possible by large industrial power consumers in South Africa who have agreed to reduce their consumption for this period to support the country. Eskom will also be required to utilise some emergency reserves during this period, thereby depleting some of the gains made over the past few days.”
But Mantshantsha warns that stage 2 blackouts will resume in the afternoon.
“In order to replenish these reserves and prepare for the week ahead, stage 2 load shedding will resume at 17:00 this afternoon and continue until 22:00 on Sunday.
“The power system remains constrained and vulnerable and Eskom will communicate promptly should there be any changes.”
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