Stage 2 loadshedding to be effected this evening
“Should there be any further deterioration in the power system, loadshedding might be required to be implemented earlier.”
Power utility Eskom has announced that it will be implementing stage 2 loadshedding with effect from Saturday evening.
In a statement Eskom said the action was necessitated by generation capacity constraints.
“Eskom regrets to inform the public that stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 21:00 tonight until 05:00 on Monday morning,” the statement read. “Should there be any further deterioration in the power system, loadshedding might be required to be implemented earlier.”
ALSO READ: Loadshedding to plunge on consumers till Saturday The power utility explained that the capacity constraints were caused by a failure of a generation unit each at Kusile, Medupi and Arnot power stations, as well as a delay of a unit returning to service at Tutuka power station.
“In addition to the above, the failure of the coal conveyors at Medupi led to reduced output at the station. “While this has since been rectified, it will take some time to recover the full operations.”
Furthermore, it said there was a complete shutdown of the Kendal power station ash plant due to an electrical fault.
“This required the station’s output to be reduced to a minimum. The ash plant has since returned to service, and the ash backlog recovery is in progress,” the statement explained.
ALSO READ: Reminder: Stage 2 loadshedding Tshwane schedule
“These constraints, together with higher demand yesterday and today, have resulted in extensive usage of emergency generation reserves, which will have to be sufficiently recovered for the week ahead.
“Total breakdowns have increased to 14 727MW while planned maintenance is 6 711MW of capacity as we continue with the reliability maintenance.” South Africans are urged to help reduce the usage of electricity by switching off non-essential items.
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