Eskom has managed to keep the country’s lights on for nine days straight, but that could all change tonight. In a statement issued this morning, Eskom said the electrical system is very constrained, which can result in loadshedding.

“The power system is very constrained and vulnerable throughout the day today, with a high risk of load shedding being implemented at short notice. This is due to a number of Eskom’s generating units being unavailable as a result of technical faults,” it said.

The power utility attributes the possible need for loadshedding later tonight to the colder weather that has been sweeping across parts of the land.

“…we are currently experiencing cold weather conditions across the country. In winter the electricity demand peaks in the morning and evening as more electricity is used during these times. We appeal to all our customers to continue to reduce their electricity usage throughout the day but to be aware of the need to save more during the peak periods from 06:00 to 10:00 and 17:00 to 21:00.”

The utility followed that up with a tweet:

The load shedding prognosis is medium for the morning and very high for the evening.

— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) July 9, 2015

So grab the candles, buy supper before you get home and prepare for an evening full of darkness and actual face-time with the family. Or alternatively, plan an excursion to a local (generator-powered) entertainment hotspot for an evening of takeout food, movies and popcorn.

Eskom: forcing families to bond since 2008.

[Image – CC by 2.0/Nico]