Eskom has confirmed that load shedding will be upgraded to Stage 4 from 4pm on Thursday.
The power utility had initially announced that it would be implementing Stage 2 load shedding from 4pm until 12am on Wednesday as well as Thursday.
However, Eskom has since made a few changes in light of its shortage of generation capacity, coupled with the higher demand due to the colder weather.
ALSO READ: Eskom hopeful that Ramaphosa’s reforms will end load shedding
Stage 2 load shedding will be implemented from 5am to 4pm on Wednesday, while Stage 4 will come into effect during the evening peak period between 4pm until midnight.
“It is anticipated that Stage 2 will be implemented at 5am to 12am on Friday,” Eskom said in a statement on Wednesday evening.
The power utility explained that the implementation of load shedding would “assist in recovering emergency generation reserves, which have been utilised extensively to meet the increased demand over the last few days”.
“The delay in returning a generation unit to service each at Arnot, Koeberg and the Kusile power stations, as well as the unplanned breakdowns of a generation unit each at Camden, Grootvlei, Lethabo, Majuba, Medupi and two units at Hendrina power stations, have exacerbated the capacity constraints,” Eskom said.
READ MORE: South Africa’s Just Energy Transition: Here’s what we know so far
Eskom further warned that load shedding could be extended into the weekend despite some generation units being anticipated to return to service over the next few days.
“While the return of Unit 2 of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station is anticipated for Friday night, should there be further delays, or other unit breakdowns, load shedding might have to be extended into the weekend.
“Eskom will promptly communicate any further significant changes. We currently have 2,931MW on planned maintenance, while another 15,040MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns,” the utility added.
NOW READ: Mantashe, Gordhan and co. outline plan to end load shedding in SA