Struggling Eskom on Thursday ramped-up load-shedding to Stage 4.
In a power alert, Eskom said: “Stage 4 load-shedding will be implemented from 16:00 this afternoon until 05:00 tomorrow morning, thereafter Stage 3 load-shedding will be implemented until Sunday morning”.
The power utility added: “Thursday, 05 January 2023: Due to the delays in returning seven generating units to service, Stage 4 load-shedding will be implemented from 16:00 this afternoon until 05:00 tomorrow morning.
“Thereafter Stage 3 load-shedding will be implemented until 16:00 on Friday. This pattern will be repeated until Sunday morning.”
Eskom said the further delays in returning to service a generating unit each at Arnot, Camden, Kendal, Kriel, Matla, and two units at Majuba power station has contributed to the capacity constraints.
“We currently have 6 014MW on planned maintenance, while another 17 278MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns and delays in returning generators to service.”
Eskom requested the public to reduce the usage of electricity and to exercise patience and tolerance during this difficult period.