Eskom announces Stage 3 load shedding will occur from 8am to 11pm.

Eskom has this morning announced stage 3 load shedding, this after warning that it would be implementing Stage 2 load shedding all weekend. But the power utility has now had to shed another 1,000MW on Saturday morning, taking the total to 3,000MW.

On Friday the power utility announced stage 2 load shedding for the weekend Eskom has now had to shed another 1,000MW on Saturday morning, taking the total to 3,000MW.

The power utility on Friday said that due to a shortage of capacity and loss of additional generating units, it would implement stage 2 rotational load-shedding from 8am which was likely to continue until 11pm.

Customers were reminded to treat all electrical points as live during load-shedding.

"Stage 2 calls for 2,000MW to be rotationally load-shed nationally at a given period. Load-shedding is conducted rotationally as a measure of last resort to protect the power system from a total collapse or blackout.

"The generation system is extremely constrained and we continue to appeal to residents and businesses to use electricity sparingly during this period. Please switch off geysers as well as all non-essential lighting and electricity appliances to assist in reducing demand," Eskom said, apologising for the inconvenience caused.