South Africa is bracing for cold and dark nights after Eskom announced it was implementing load-shedding from Tuesday evening because of a shortage of generation capacity.
Eskom said it regrets “to inform the public that due to severe generation capacity constraints Stage 2 load-shedding will be implemented from 17:00 this afternoon”.
Loadshedding will continue until 05:00 on Monday.
“This load-shedding has been caused by a shortage of generation capacity owing to delays in returning generators to service, as well as breakdowns of nine generators,” said the power utiity.
Eskom said it will continue to monitor the system and implement any changes as required.
“Since yesterday a generation unit each at Lethabo, Tutuka, Ingula, Drakensberg, Arnot as well as two units each at Hendrina and Matla power stations suffered breakdowns,” said Eskom.
“Further, delays in returning generators to service at Arnot, Kendal and three units at Tutuka power stations have added to the capacity constraints.
“Eskom expects to return as many of these units to service as possible over the next few days.
“We also expect to rely on the use of emergency generating reserves to limit the stage of load-shedding during this period.
“We currently have 3 875MW on planned maintenance, while another 15 067MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.”
Eskom reminded the public that load-shedding is implemented only as a last resort to protect the national grid.
“We, therefore, request the public to continue using electricity sparingly to reduce the occurrence of load-shedding,” said Eskom
