Stage 2 load-shedding will be implemented from 17:00 until 22:00 tonight.

Eskom has urged the public to use electricity sparingly, especially during peak hours from 05:00 – 09:00 and 16:00 – 22:00, saying that load-shedding during these times is imminent to protect the power grid from collapse.

Colder temperatures cause an increase in demand that the power grid cannot handle.

Currently, 2 379MW of capacity is off the grid due to planned maintenance while 15 365MW is unavailable due to breakdowns.

The country has seen load-shedding being implemented during evening peak hours since the beginning of the week.

In a statement released yesterday Eskom said that two units at Khusile Power Station is expected to return to service within the next few weeks while unit 2 at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station is expected to return to service by the end of June.

The return of said units will add a valuable 2 500MW to the grid.

Design defects and technology repairs are to blame for the Khusile units not currently operating.

Koeberg has been operating on half capacity since January while one unit was taken undergoing ‘a routine refuelling and other long-term operation activities’.