Eskom has warned Load-shedding Stage 2 which it implemented on Saturday between 5 pm and 10 pm was likely to be repeated at the same time throughout this week.
A day after the power utility reduced load-shedding to Stage 1 and said it was unlikely to disrupt power services at the weekend – Stage 2 was back on Saturday.
In a statement on Saturday, Eskom said: “Due to a further loss of generating capacity, Stage 2 load-shedding will be implemented from 17:00 until 22:00 tonight.
“Load-shedding is likely to be repeated at the same time throughout the coming week if the capacity shortages persist.”
Eskom said since Friday evening, breakdowns occurred at Arnot, Majuba, Hendrina, and Kusile power stations, which each had a generation unit affected.
Two other units at Lethabo Power Station also failed.
“A delay in returning 650MW due to planned maintenance at Cahora Bassa in Mozambique has further contributed to the shortage of capacity.”
Eskom said a generating unit each at Lethabo and Tutuka power stations returned to service on Saturday.
The power utility said: “We currently have 2 389MW on planned maintenance, while another 17 810MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns,” the power utility said.
Eskom appealed to all South Africans to help limit the impact of load-shedding by reducing the usage of electricity and to switch off all non-essential items.
“We, therefore, urge all South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly, especially between 05:00 – 09:00 in the mornings and 16:00 – 22:00 in the evenings,” Eskom said.
