Eskom moves to stage 4

Multiple breakdowns has seen Eskom escalate loadshedding to stage 4.

Three units have been shutdown at Kendal power station, 2 units have tripped at Tutuka and Matimba power stations and there’s been a delay in the return to service of a unit each at Majuba and Matimba power stations. 

Stage 2 loadshedding was started earlier today.

Stage 4 loadshedding will take effect at 4pm today and run until 5am on Saturday morning, before resuming under stage 2 until Monday at 5am.

Eskom said stage 4 loadshedding was necessary to stop the use of open cycle gas turbine generators (OCGT) so as to preserve the remaining fuel at these power stations – which it said was ‘critically low’.

“There is insufficient diesel available in the country to continue generating with the OCGTs at the current rate.

“It is anticipated that some generating units will return to service later today and overnight, allowing a reduction to stage 2 for the rest of the weekend.”

There is more than 21 700MW out of supply at the moment.

Here are your times: (Friday)

Ballito southern Grid: 6-8.30pm

Stanger Northern Grid: 2-4.30pm and again from 10pm to 00.30am

Mandini: Midday to 2.30pm and again from 8-10.30pm

Tongaat: Midday to 2.30pm and again from 8-10pm.

Tongaat Beach: Midday to 2.30pm and again from 8-10pm.

Here are your times for Stage 2, from Saturday to Monday:

Ballito Southern Grid: Saturday 2-4.30am and on Sunday 2-4.30am, and again from 10am to 12.30pm, Monday not affected.

Stanger Northern Grid: Saturday, 2-4.30am and again from 6-8.30pm, Sunday, 2-4.30am, Monday from 2-4.30am.

Mandini: Saturday from 4-6.30am, Sunday from 4-6.30am and again from midday to 2.30pm, Monday not affected.

Tongaat Beach: Saturday, 6-8am, Sunday 4-6pm, Monday 4-5am.

Tongaat: Saturday, 6-8am, Sunday 4-6pm, Monday 4-5am.

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