Switch off non-essential appliances: Eskom
Eskom on Thursday urged consumers to switch off all non-essential appliances to reduce the impact of rotational power cuts.
"Eskom calls on consumers to urgently switch off geysers, pool pumps, and all non-essential appliances throughout the day," it said in a statement.
Power cuts would be stopped if the necessary savings were made and the situation improved.
"Eskom will provide regular updates on the status of the power system through all media platforms."
Customers were warned to treat all electrical connections as live during the cuts.
The power cuts were announced earlier and were scheduled to last from 9am to 10pm.
Eskom customers were advised to check on its website for the schedule.
"Municipal customers need to contact their own municipalities for the correct schedules."
Earlier on Thursday, Eskom spokesman Andrew Etzinger said seven days of heavy rain had left coal stocks wet.
"We have asked our large industrial customers to reduce their consumption by 10 percent but it appears this will not be enough," Etzinger said
- Sapa