This follows the industrial action by unions, but according to troubled utility supplier Eskom, will only be implemented if necessary.
It said the electricity system remains constrained with a high probability of Stage 1 rotational load shedding that began on Tuesday evening from 17:00 to 21:00 as a result of the industrial action which continues to impact operations at Eskom sites.
Eskom said it has sought the services of the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) to facilitate the engagement between the organisation and union leaders to resolve the impasse.
“We are hopeful that all parties will put South Africa first as we endeavour in finding an amicable solution,” Eskom said in a statement.
City Power said in a statement that, if Eskom implements load shedding, then some residents of Johannesburg will definitely be affected.
City Power commented it will inform its customers if, and when, load shedding takes place.
“Load shedding is conducted rotationally as a measure of last resort to protect the power system from a total collapse or blackout,” Eskom explained.
The National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), one of three unions at Eskom, on Monday confirmed there had been disturbances at some power stations, attributing them to Eskom’s position on bonuses. It said workers are unhappy with Eskom’s position of insisting that there will not be bonuses paid this year due to the power utility’s financial struggles.
The NUM, the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (Numsa) and Solidarity are currently discussing the latest Eskom wage offer. Eskom initially took a no-increase position.
Eskom recently reported a net loss of R2.3bn and total debt of R367bn.
Put to Eskom’s spin-doctor Khulu Phasiwe what will happen to paying customers should load shedding take place, he did not respond, citing its not Eskom’s fault.
