- Eskom upgrades to Stage 4 load shedding
- Five generating units not operational
South Africa’s Eskom has announced it will upgrade to Stage 4 load shedding amidst breakdowns in five power stations. The announcement comes following the implementation of Stage 2 load shedding following breakdowns of generating units over the weekend.
In a statement, Eskom stated that it would begin Stage 4 load shedding from Wednesday to Friday before dropping back to Stage 2 load shedding implementation.
“Over the past 24 hours, a unit each at Medupi, Kusile and Matla power stations tripped while a unit each at Lethabo and Arnot power stations were forced to shut down. This constrained the power system further requiring extensive use of emergency reserves and therefore, hampering the recovery of these reserves.” the statement read.
“We remind customers that load shedding is implemented as a last resort to maintain the stability of the power system regardless of the stage of load shedding. The implementation of Stage 4 load shedding is, therefore, no cause for alarm as the power system remains to be effectively controlled,” Eskom said.
Eskom has stated that it is expected that some generating units will return to service over the next few days,.
“Some generating units have returned to service and we anticipate another two units to return to service during the day. In addition, Koeberg Unit 1 is expected to return to service today and begin ramping up to full output within 48 hours.” Eskom said.