Load-shedding is back for the upmteeth time as struggling Eskom says more breakdowns are to blame as it implements Stage 2 power cuts from Monday 5 pm to 10 pm.
Eskom regrets to inform the public that, due to the breakdown of a generation unit each at Majuba and Medupi power stations today, Stage 2 load-shedding will be implemented from 17:00 until 22:00 tonight,” the power utility said – just a day after it said it was suspending load-shedding.
“Three generation units are expected to return to service by this evening, which will ramp up through the night.
“Eskom will continue to closely monitor the system, adjust and communicate any changes as may be necessary.
“We appeal to all South Africans to help limit the impact of the shortages by continuing to reduce the usage of electricity and to switch off all non-essential items.
“We currently have 2 246MW on planned maintenance, while another 15 847MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.”
Eskom cautioned the public that as the shortage of generation capacity persists, the system will continue to be constrained with an elevated risk of loadshedding over the coming weeks.
“We would like to remind the public that load-shedding is implemented only as a last resort to protect the national grid.
“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.”
