Eskom has announced that “due to multiple unit failures” Stage 2 load-shedding will be implemented from tonight at 9 pm.
The power utility said it had experienced multiple generating unit failures over the past 24 hours.
Eskom said it “regrets to inform the public” that Stage 2 load-shedding will be implemented between 21:00 tonight and 05:00 on Tuesday.
“This will be repeated same time on Tuesday night until 05:00 on Wednesday,” said the power utility in a statement issued earlier Monday.
“This load-shedding is required in order for Eskom to replenish the emergency generation reserves, which have been utilised significantly since the past weekend.”
Eskom said the load-shedding might be required at short notice should there be any further significant breakdowns.
“Since this morning, a unit each at the Matla, Kendal, Matimba, Kusile and Grootvlei power stations tripped, while a unit each at Arnot and Hendrina power stations were forced shut down,” said Eskom.
“This, in addition to other units that had tripped during the weekend, reduced available generation capacity, forcing Eskom to rely heavily on emergency generation reserves to keep the lights on.”
Total breakdowns amount to 14 508MW while planned maintenance is 6 307MW of capacity as Eskom continues with the reliability maintenance.
“While we expect some generation units to return to service over the next 24 hours, Eskom appeals to all South Africans to help us limit the impact of load-shedding by reducing the usage of electricity and to switch off all non-essential items,” said the statement.
“We will communicate promptly should there be any significant changes to the power system.”
