- Eskom reports the breakdown of generation units
- Load shedding will occur for six days
South Africa’s state-owned utility Eskom has issued a press release announcing the commencement of stage 2 load shedding following the breakdown of two more power generating units.
“Eskom regrets to inform the public that Stage 2 load shedding will be implemented from 11:00 this morning until 05:00 on Monday. This load shedding is necessary due to a shortage of generation capacity following breakdowns of two more generating units during the night.
Since the weekend, Eskom has utilised significant emergency generating reserves, which have now been depleted and need to be replenished. Eskom will use this period of load shedding to replenish the emergency generation reserves. A unit each at Kusile and Kendal power stations tripped. Delays in returning units at Kusile, Tutuka, Duvha, Lethabo and Grootvlei have also contributed to the current supply constraints. Total breakdowns amount to 14 994MW while planned maintenance is 4 435MW of capacity as we continue with the reliability maintenance. Three generating units are expected to return to service by this afternoon.
Eskom appeals to all South Africans to help limit the impact of load shedding by reducing electricity usage and switching off non-essential items. We will communicate promptly should there be any significant changes to the power system.”