Johannesburg – Eskom has ramped up load-shedding to Stage 6 amid failing generation units at various power stations.
“Load-shedding has been increased to Stage 6 from 08:30 this morning until further notice,” Eskom said in a power alert Friday morning.
“Due to the breakdown of eight generating units overnight and this morning, which necessitated the excessive use of Open Cycle Gas Turbines and pumped storage generation, Stage 6 load-shedding was implemented at 08:30 this morning.
“The inability to pump water overnight at the pumped storage schemes and the low diesel levels has resulted in critically low emergency reserves which needs to be conserved.”
The power utility said since Thursday afternoon, breakdowns of a unit each at Duvha, Grootvlei, Tutuka, Kriel, Lethabo, Camden power stations occurred as well as two units at Kendal Power Station.
In addition, the delay in returning to service a generating unit each at Arnot, Duvha, Matla, Camden, and Hendrina power stations has contributed to the capacity constraints, Eskom said.
“Regrettably, no units were returned to service in the past 24 hours,” the power utility said.
“We currently have 8 023MW on planned maintenance, while another 16 672MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.”
Eskom also requested the public to reduce the usage of electricity and to exercise patience and tolerance during “this difficult period”.
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