Eskom announced that load-shedding will be reduced to Stage 1 from 22:00 tonight and will continue at that level until 05:00 on Monday.

The power utility said in a media statement while the return to service of generation units has been rather slow, it has been able to reduce the stage of load-shedding during the weekend.

“Since yesterday morning a generation unit each at Matla, Hendrina and Arnot power stations have returned to service. At the same time, however, a generation unit at Kendal, Kusile, and Matimba power stations were either taken offline of tripped.

“Further, delays in returning generators to service at Arnot, Kendal and three units at Tutuka power stations have added to the capacity constraints.”

Eskom said it will probably rely on the use of emergency generating reserves to supplement available supply and to limit the stage of load-shedding.

“We currently have 4 323MW on planned maintenance, while another 15 985MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.”