Eskom has announced its planned load-shedding forecast for the foreseeable future.

Power utility spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says that stage 3 power cuts will be implemented from 16:00 to 05:00 daily, while stage 1 load-shedding will be in effect between 05:00-16:00.

“Breakdowns are currently at 16 054MW of generating capacity [loss], while the generating capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 3 921MW.”

She says that over the past 24 hours, four generating units – at Camden, Duvha, Kriel and Lethabo power stations – were returned to service. In addition, a generating unit at Tutuka and two generating units at Kendal power stations were taken offline for repairs.

Part of the current capacity constraints, according to Mokwena, is a delay in returning three generating units (one each at Kendal, Matimba and Tutuka) to service.

“We appeal to the members of the public to continue reducing demand by switching off non-essential appliances. We would like to thank those who do heed the call to use electricity sparingly and efficiently, including switching off geysers and pool pumps from 17:00 to 21:00, as this lowers demand and helps in alleviating the pressure on the power system and contributes to lower stages of load-shedding,” she concludes.