Eskom warns of possible stage 6 load-shedding

Eskom announced that it might implement stage 6 load-shedding from Tuesday evening, due to the lack of generating units.

According to Eskom COO Jan Oberholzer, the possibility of stage 6 load-shedding was high but not yet confirmed.

He said the power utility lost 10 generating units overnight across six of its substations and stage 6 load-shedding would be implemented from 17:00 on Tuesday if the lost units don’t return.

Oberholzer said only two units have returned that were lost overnight and four units were expected to also return during the day before peak hours.

“The outlook for the day is, however, not positive as the return of some operating units is dependent on the availability of our staff.

“We have a deficit of 1 400MW for peak hours which already includes stage 4 load-shedding for the rest of the day,” he said.

Oberholzer added that the power utility was experiencing constraints due to a lack of resources and operators to return units.

He said if the units don’t return, this will be the second time Eskom implemented stage 6 load-shedding.

The country last experienced stage 6 load-shedding in December 2019, according to Oberholzer.

“We wish to inform residents that load-shedding is implemented as a last resort as we need to protect the national grid.

“Residents are advised to use electricity sparingly, especially during the peak hours of the day,” Oberholzer said.

Stage 6 load-shedding means power cuts will be implemented for eight hours at different times during the day.

Updates regarding the schedule across Tshwane will follow once Eskom confirms the commencement of stage 6 load-shedding.

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