Eskom confirmed just after 16:00 on Monday, May 9 that load-shedding stage 2 will be implemented from 17:00.
#Loadshedding Stage 2 will regretfully be implemented from 17:00 to 22:00 this evening as the power system is severely constrained. Full statement to follow shortly.
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) May 9, 2022
ORIGINIAL ARTICLE:
Eskom has announced at 15:30 on Monday May 9 that load reduction will be implemented from 17:00 to 22:00 to avoid network overloading in high-density areas.
Areas on the West Rand to be affected are Bekkersdal, Kagiso and Rietvallei, as well as nearby Khutsong in Carletonville.
In a press release, Eskom said, “During the load-reduction implementation, customers are urged to switch off all their electrical appliances to avoid possible damage due to power surges when supply returns. Failure to do so may lead to transformer trips or failures, and damage to household appliances when supply is restored.”
Communities are encouraged to report meter bypasses, illegal connections and vandalism of the electricity infrastructure on the Eskom Crime Line number 0800 11 27 22.
Besides the confirmed load reduction, Eskom said the power system will be severely constrained during evening peaks, with the possibility of load-shedding at short notice should there be any unit breakdowns.
While the power system has recovered sufficiently to fully meet the demand during the day, Eskom would like to caution the public that load-shedding might be required at short notice during the evening peaks should there be further breakdowns in currently available capacity. Eskom expects to return to service a generation unit each at Kusile and Kendal power stations before the evening peak.
“Should any of these units fail to return as expected, the power system will be severely constrained, presenting an increased probability of load-shedding at short notice. The return to service of a generation unit each at Matimba and Lethabo, as well as two units at Hendrina and three at Tutuka power stations have been delayed, increasing the evening peak constraints.
“The onset of winter has seen increased demand and this will lead to a constrained system throughout the winter, particularly during the morning and evening peaks. We therefore urge all South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly, especially between 05:00 and 09:00 in the mornings, and 16:00 and 22:00 in the evenings.
“We currently have 3 049MW on planned maintenance, while another 14 985MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns. We remind the public that load-shedding is implemented only as a last resort to protect the national grid.”
Load-shedding stage 2 has since been implemented.
#Loadshedding Stage 2 will regretfully be implemented from 17:00 to 22:00 this evening as the power system is severely constrained. Full statement to follow shortly.
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) May 9, 2022
