“Eskom will implement stage 2 load shedding from 16:00 today, which is likely to continue until 10pm this evening. This is due to a shortage of generation capacity as several units are currently out of service due to planned and unplanned outages,” it said.

Any additional changes on the already vulnerable and constrained power system could lead to a change in the stage at short notice. “Eskom would like to assure customers that load shedding is implemented as a last resort to protect the power system from a complete blackout.”

The power utility called on all customers to reduce the load on the electricity grid by urgently switching off geysers, air conditioners, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances throughout the day which will reduce electricity demand.

Commercial customers, particularly shopping centres and office blocks, can also make a big difference by switching off non-essential lights and not leaving office equipment such as photocopiers and computers in standby mode after hours.

Medupi, which is meant to provide Eskom with an additional 4 800 megawatts of power capacity, is facing further delays About 21 000 workers downed tools in a one day stay-away which was called by metalworkers union Numsa. The workers are voicing their frustration around accommodation and bonuses.

The project has been delayed for three years.