With short notice, Eskom has announced that Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 17:00 Tuesday 3 May until 05:00 next Monday, 9 May.
Eskom struggles with generation capacity
In the “Power Alert 1” statement that was released, Eskom explains that loadshedding is necessary due to the constraints they are dealing with when it comes to generation capacity. And the constraints are seemingly so severe that power outages will be implemented from this afternoon already.
And to make matters worse, nine other breakdowns have been recorded while there have been more delays in returning generators to service.
Since the beginning of the week, Eskom recorded that various generations broke down at each of the following power stations:
- One at Lethabo
- One at Tutuka
- Two at Hendrina
- One at Ingula
- One at Drakensberg
- Two at Matla
- One at Arnot
There is currently 3 875 MW set for planned maintenance and 15 067 MW of capacity is unavailable due to the breakdowns.
Use electricity wisely
Over the course of the week, Eskom will be returning as many units as possible to service. However, the power supplier still warned that the system will be heavy reliance on the emergency generating reserves.
Thus, all consumers are reminded to be mindful when it comes to electricity usage and to switch all non-required appliances off.