Embattled power utility Eskom has announced stage 4 loadshedding from 11am on Friday, saying it needs be cautious about its reserves amid an unprotected labour stoppage. Stage 4 loadshedding will continue until midnight on Friday but will resume from 05h00 until 00h00 on Saturday and Sunday.
Some of its employees are on unprotected strike over salaries, after an agreement was failed to be reached with the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) earlier this week.
“It is necessary to bolster emergency generation reserves to react to unforeseen circumstances, as well as to replenish emergency reserves to prepare for the week ahead. This would help fill the generation deficit while dealing with generating units that may trip amidst the disturbances and compensate for the inability to return generating units timeously to service,” the power utility said.
READ MORE: [ALERT] Loadshedding Stage 3 Warning and higher for the remainder of winter
“While exploring possible solutions to unlock the deadlock with the unions, Eskom appeals to its labour partners and striking employees to embrace the purpose of putting the people of South Africa first, respect the law and to desist from illegal and undemocratic conduct.”
Eskom warned that there will be a high risk of load shedding in the coming weeks. A total of 2 776MW is on planned maintenance, while another 17 395MWof capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.
“We would like to remind the public that load shedding is implemented only as a last resort to protect the national grid. We, therefore, urge all South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly, especially during these uncertain times on the power system.”