Stage 4 load-shedding, which was implemented at 10:00, is set to continue until 16:00 when rolling power cuts will once more be escalated – this time to stage 5.

Eskom says this stage of load-shedding will continue until midnight as it cites a ‘higher than anticipated demand’ for the further escalation.

The crisis communication manager of the power utility, Menzi Mngomezulu, in a statement said that 16 302MW of generating capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns, while an additional 3 616MW is offline due to planned maintenance.

“Over the past 24 hours, a generating unit each at Arnot, Duvha and two generating units at Matla power stations were returned to service. In the same period, a generating unit each at Grootvlei, Kendal, Kriel and two generating units at Camden power stations were taken offline for repairs.

“The delay in returning to service a generating unit at Kendal and two generating units at Tutuka power stations is contributing to the current capacity constraints,” Mngomezulu explained.

Planned weekend schedule: