Stage 4 load-shedding will be implemented from 14:00 on Friday until 05:00 on Saturday
Following stage 4, stage 2 load-shedding will continue from 05:00 on Saturday until 05:00 on Monday.
Following the shutdown of three generating units at the Kendal Power Station, the breakdown 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 load-shedding will be implemented from 14:00 today until 05:00 on Saturday.
Thereafter, stage 2 load-shedding will be implemented from 05:00 on Saturday until 05:00 on Monday.
Eskom said in a statement that stage 4 load-shedding 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.
Stage 2 load-shedding is necessary to replenish emergency generation reserves, particularly at the pump storage schemes for the week ahead.
Total breakdowns currently amount to 17 437MW, while planned maintenance is 4 361MW of capacity.
“We remind customers that load-shedding is implemented as a last resort to maintain the stability of the power system regardless of the stage of load-shedding.
“Eskom would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused by the implementation of load-shedding, and requests the public to reduce the usage of electricity in order to help us through the constraints.”
