This summer will be a very difficult period as most of Eskom's maintenance will be undertaken then, said President Kgalema Motlanthe on Friday.

"In this regard, to manage this period effectively we urge all consumers, businesses and private homes to be very careful about their use of electricity," he said addressing members of the National Council of Provinces in Lady Frere, Eastern Cape. Motlanthe said government must not be complacent about the electricity challenges that the country continued to face.

"Not only must we continue to rollout electricity to the poor who have no access, we must also continue to manage the demand of all who already have access to electricity."

He said the very small margin between electricity demand and electricity supply had necessitated some rationing of power.

"In essence, this is a time to take a bold step forward, not to stand still, or sit back as there is clearly a huge amount of work to do."

Sapa