After stage 2 loadshedding was implemented at short notice this morning, November 5, Eskom made another announcement that stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented from 14:00 on today until 05:00 on Saturday; thereafter Stage 2 loadshedding will continue until 05:00 on Monday, November 8.
This was announced after the shut down of three generating units at Kendal Power Station, the trip of a unit each at Tutuka and Matimba power stations and the delayed return to service of a unit each at Majuba and Lethabo power stations.
“Stage 4 loadshedding is necessary to stop the use of OCGT generators in order to preserve the remaining fuel at these power stations, which is critically low. There is insufficient diesel available in the country to continue generating with the OCGTs at the current rate. It is anticipated that some generating units will return to service later today and overnight allowing a reduction to Stage 2 load shedding for the remainder of the weekend.” Eskom said.
Stage 2 loadshedding is necessary to replenish emergency generation reserves particularly at the pump storage schemes for the week ahead. Total breakdowns currently amount to 17 437 MW while planned maintenance is 4 361 MW of capacity.
“We remind customers that loadshedding is implemented as a last resort to maintain the stability of the power system regardless of the stage of loadshedding. Eskom would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused by the implementation of loadshedding, and requests the public to reduce the usage of electricity in order to help us through the constraints.” Eskom concluded.
