Due to the loss of four generating units, the need to replenish the emergency generation reserves and increased planned maintenance as previously communicated, loadshedding will continue to be implemented at Stage 5 until 16:00 today. Thereafter, Stage 6 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 until 05:00 on Wednesday. This pattern of implementing Stage 5 loadshedding from 05:00 to 16:00 and Stage 6 loadshedding from 16:00 until 05:00 will be repeated daily until Friday morning. Eskom will publish another update should any significant changes occur.
Breakdowns are currently at 16 784MW of generating capacity while the capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 4 987MW.
Over a period of 24 hours, a generation unit each at Camden, Duvha and Kendal was returned to service.
In the same period, a generating unit each at Duvha, Grootvlei, Kendal and Matla power stations was taken offline for repairs.
The delay in returning to service a generating unit each at Hendrina, Kendal, Matimba and Matla power stations is also contributing to the current capacity constraints.
Eskom teams are working tirelessly to return these generating units to service.
Eskom’s load for the evening peak demand is forecasted to increase to 29 542MW. We appeal to the members of the public to reduce demand by switching off non-essential appliances. We would like to thank those who do heed the call to use electricity sparingly and efficiently, including switching off geysers and pool pumps from 17:00 to 21:00, as this lowers demand and helps in alleviating the pressure on the power system and contributes to lower stages of loadshedding.