April saw a saving of up to seven percent in electricity demand, Eskom's Chief Executive, Jacob Maroga, said on Monday.

He briefed President Thabo Mbeki and a Presidential Special Joint Working group on the current state of electricity supply in the country, the presidency said in a statement.

"The meeting urged the public to accelerate electricity savings in order to avert resumption in load shedding as the current savings, though welcome, are below the 10 percent target," the statement said.

Maroga said planned electricity cuts were suspended on the basis of the progress made toward meeting the 10 percent target and a review of the most effective approach to achieve savings.

Mbeki would form an advisory council, which he would chair, to ensure the implementation of the National Electricity Response plan.

A scheduled press conference following the meeting was cancelled.

Sapa