Stage 2 load-shedding, which has been implemented at peak times daily, will come into effect and remain in place from 16:00.

This is the latest update from Eskom, which says the schedule change is due to six generating units breaking down at five power stations.

“A generating unit each at Duvha, Grootvlei, Hendrina, Majuba and two units at Arnot Power Station were taken offline for repairs over the past 24 hours. The delay in returning to service of two generating units at Camden and one unit each at Arnot and Duvha power stations contributed to the capacity constraints,” their statement reads.

The power utility adds that two generating units (one each at the Kriel and Matla power stations) have since returned to service.

“As previously communicated, due to the depletion of the budget to acquire diesel for the open-cycle gas turbines, Eskom has been forced to strictly conserve the fuel for the direst of emergencies. We currently have 4 423MW on planned maintenance, while another 16 708MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.”

#POWERALERT1

Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 continuously until further notice pic.twitter.com/o6dFnxLZ8g

— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) December 2, 2022

To add to the woes, more generation capacity shortages are expected.

“The imminent refuelling and maintenance outage, as well as the long-term operation project of unit one of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, along with the October chimney failure that forced three generation units offline at Kusile Power Station, will further reduce available generation capacity and significantly increase the occurrence of load-shedding during the next six to 12 months,” the power utility concludes.