Johannesburg – Eskom on Sunday said it has begun reducing load-shedding from the dreaded Stage 6.
The power utility said it reduced load-shedding to Stage 5 at midday on Sunday.
Earlier Electricity Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said the high levels of load=shedding would be eased significantly by Wednesday, when generation units that were down were expected to be up and running.
He said the current Stage 6 load-shedding was a result of “calculated risks” undertaken by Eskom and his department.
Minister Ramokgopa explained that Eskom was prioritising planned maintenance to deliver long-term improvements to the grid.
Commenting on the matter the power utility said: “Over the past 48 hours, Eskom has successfully replenished its pumped storage dam levels and bringing back some generation units back to service,” the power utility said.
“This enabled the reduction of load-shedding to Stage 5 from midday until further notice.”
Eskom said it will closely monitor the power system and communicate any changes to load-shedding should it be required.
The power utility said unplanned outages were at 17 595MW of generating capacity, while the capacity out of service for planned maintenance was at 6 885MW.
“Eskom Power Station General Managers and their teams continue to work diligently to ensure that a total of 3 200MW is returned to service by Wednesday evening,” the power utility said.
Eskom’ said its evening peak demand Sunday night was 25 290MW.
“We would like to appeal to members of the public to use electricity sparingly and efficiently, including switching off geysers and pool pumps from 17:00 to 21:00,” Eskom said.
“This lowers demand and helps in alleviating the pressure on the power system, contributing to lower stages of load-shedding.”
