Eskom has warned that the national power system will be severely constrained during the evening peaks, with the possibility of load-shedding at short notice should there be any unit breakdowns.

“While the power system has recovered sufficiently to fully meet the demand during the day, Eskom would like to caution the public that load-shedding might be required at short notice during the evening peaks should there be further breakdowns in currently available capacity.

“Eskom expects to return to service a generation unit each at Kusile and Kendal power stations before the evening peak,” the power utility says in a media statement.

According to Eskom, should any of these units fail to return as expected, the power system will be severely constrained, presenting an increased probability of load-shedding at short notice.

“The return to service of a generation unit each at Matimba and Lethabo, as well as two units each at Hendrina and three at Tutuka power stations have been delayed, increasing the evening peak constraints.”

Eskom says the the onset of winter has seen an increased demand which also leads to a constrained power system.

“We currently have 3 049MW on planned maintenance, while another 14 985MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.”