National electricity use is expected to subside moderately from Tuesday as weather conditions improve, energy utility Eskom said in a biweekly status update on Monday.
However, electricity demand was expected to increase significantly over the evening peak on Monday, with no “cushioning” should anything unexpected occur.
“We urge customers to reduce their electricity use, especially in the early evening, as the power grid is expected to be under severe pressure during this time,” said the parastatal.
The capacity available to meet Monday evening’s peak demand was 35 000 MW, including open-cycle gas turbines, while a 35 001 MW demand was forecast and current planned maintenance stood at 2 900 MW.
The capacity available from Friday through to Sunday was expected to meet forecast demand.