Eskom will implement Stage 2 load-shedding at 5pm on Monday.
The power utility said: “Stage 2 load- will regretfully be implemented from 17:00 to 22:00 this evening as the power system is severely constrained.
Earlier on Monday Eskom warned it might have to implement load-shedding at “short notice”.
“While the power system has recovered sufficiently to fully meet the demand during the day,” said Eskom, adding that it would like to “caution the public that load-shedding might be required at short notice during the evening peaks should there be further breakdowns in currently available capacity”.
Eskom had said it expects to return to service a generation unit each at Kusile and Kendal power stations before the evening peak.
“Should any of these units fail to return as expected, the power system will be severely constrained, presenting an increased probability of load-shedding at short notice,” warned Eskom.
“The return to service of a generation unit each at Matimba and Lethabo, as well as two units each at Hendrina and three at Tutuka power stations have been delayed, increasing the evening peak constraints.”
The onset of winter has seen increased demand and this will lead to a constrained system, particularly during the morning and evening peaks, throughout the winter.
“We, therefore, urge all South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly, especially between 05:00 – 09:00 in the mornings and 16:00 – 22:00 in the evenings,” Eskom said in the earlier communique.
“We currently have 3 049MW on planned maintenance, while another 14 985MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.
“We remind the public that load-shedding is implemented only as a last resort to protect the national grid.”
Eskom said it will promptly communicate should there be any significant changes to the power system, which is what the power utility did at 4pm Monday.
