Johannesburg – Eskom on Tuesday announced an improvement in the availability of electricity.
“Due to further improvement on the available generation capacity, Stage 3 load-shedding will be implemented over the evening peak periods from 16:00 today until midnight,” Eskom said in a power alert communique.
“Load-shedding will be suspended from midnight until 16:00 tomorrow.
“This pattern where load-shedding is suspended from midnight until 16:00 and Stage 3 load-shedding is implemented from 16:00 until midnight will be repeated daily until further notice.”
Eskom said it will publish another update as soon as any significant changes occur.
“Breakdowns are currently at 16 056MW of generating capacity while the generating capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 2 407MW,” said the power utility.
“Over the past 24 hours, a generating unit each at Kriel and Majuba power stations was returned to service.
“In the same period, a generation unit each at Duvha, Hendrina, Kendal, Lethabo, and Matla power stations was taken out of service due to breakdowns.”
However, Eskom said further delays in returning to service a generating unit at Arnot, Camden and Hendrina power stations were contributing to capacity constraints.
“Eskom teams are working around the clock to return these generating units to service over the next few days,” the power utility said.
“We thank those South Africans who do heed the call to use electricity sparingly and efficiently, including switching off geysers from 17:00 to 21:00, as this is helping to alleviate the pressure on the power system and contributes to lower stages of load-shedding.”