This constrained supply situation may persist throughout the weekend. Eskom warned about experiencing low levels of reliability Eskom warns as load-shedding looms this week
The power utility announced last night that the power cut will continue on Friday.
“Eskom teams have successfully returned four generation units to service today. This, however, is not sufficient to stave off load-shedding at this point. Eskom will, therefore, continue to implement Stage 2 load shedding until 22:00 tonight. Stage 2 Loadshedding will resume again at 08:00 until 22:00 tomorrow.”
Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantsantsa explained that the load shedding has been caused by an increase in plant breakdowns over the past few days.
Mantsantsa added that staying on Stage 2 load shedding will also assist in preserving the emergency generation reserves, namely diesel, and water.
“Today Eskom teams successfully returned a unit each at the Matimba, Kusile, Tutuka and Kriel power stations. The delay of the return to service of a unit each at Duvha and Tutuka and the breakdown of two units at Kriel, and a unit each at Tutuka and Kendal power stations have resulted in the need for loadshedding today”.
Breakdowns this week have removed more than 13 500MW of capacity from the system, while planned maintenance stands at 5 000MW of infrastructure.
While Eskom is working hard to return as many of these generation units to service. The generating plant continues to perform at low levels of reliability, any unexpected shift such as an increase in unplanned breakdowns could result in a change in the load shedding stage at short notice.
The power utility urged the public to continue reducing electricity usage to help minimize load shedding.