||:: LOAD SHEDDING IN BUFFALO CITY ::||

Load shedding in Buffalo City

By Buffalo City Reporter
10 October 2007

NATIONAL electricity distributor Eskom has warned of possible power outages this week, and has called on consumers to use electricity efficiently by keeping only essential lighting and electrical appliances on.

In a statement, Eskom said that in addition to the continued tight supply of electricity expected this week, anticipated severe weather conditions could affect electricity pylons and other critical electrical infrastructure, impacting on the Eskom's ability to meet the demand for electricity.

Businesses were urged to turn off all non-essential lighting and office equipment during the day. Residential consumers were also encouraged to use electricity wisely.

Buffalo City will be one of the places affected by the anticipated power outages.

Buffalo City communications manager Darby Gounden said Eskom informed the City load shedding would begin at 2 pm on Tuesday, 9 October.

"The load shedding schedule is available on the Eskom web site and also on the Buffalo City web site (see right-hand column)."

Responding to protests from residents in Duncan Village over power cuts, Gounden explained they were caused by illegal connections. "These illegal connections overload the system and create an unsafe environment in Duncan village for the consumers and staff to work in.

'The delays in restoring supply are due to the numerous repairs that have to be done to get supply back into the area," said Gounden.

In addition, she said, before the municipality could switch electricity back on in Duncan Village, the illegal connections needed to be removed and the areas declared safe.