Load-shedding stages were ramped up yet again as cold weather resulted in higher demand, and Eskom subsequently has to battle with more generating capacity constraints at various power stations.

Stage 4 load-shedding was implemented at 07:00, and this will continue until 14:00 when power cuts will be increased to stage 6. Stage 6 power cuts are set to continue until 05:00 tomorrow.

“Due to the loss of additional generating units overnight, the extensive use of open gas cycle turbines and the inability to replenish pumped storage dam levels… this pattern will be repeated daily until further notice. Eskom will publish an update as soon as any significant changes occur,” spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says.

The higher stages of rolling power cuts come amid a cold snap and while demand increases when temperatures drop, an energy expert says there is no need to panic about a total blackout yet.

Vally Padayachee, the chairperson of the management committee of the National Rationalised Specifications Association of South Africa, yesterday told Caxton Local Media that while the possibility cannot be ruled out that stage 8 load-shedding (or even beyond) will be implemented this winter, they have prepared for the worst and plans are in place to prevent a total grid collapse.

Read more here: Association approves higher load-shedding stages to prevent grid collapse