Stage 8 load shedding Eskom

Eskom could plunge SA further into darkness this week – Photo: Pixabay.

Here we go again! Eskom ramps up load shedding to Stage 4

Eskom has attributed the move to stage 4 load shedding mainly to additional breakdowns which occurred overnight

Stage 8 load shedding Eskom

Eskom could plunge SA further into darkness this week – Photo: Pixabay.

Brace yourselves as Eskom has announced it is escalating load shedding to stage 4 on Saturday, 10 September from 10:00 until 05:00 on Monday.

The embattled power utility has attributed the decision to additional breakdowns which occurred overnight.

“Regretfully, due to additional breakdowns overnight, Eskom was unable to replenish the emergency generation reserves, which has worsened the current generation capacity constraints. Stage 4 loadshedding will therefore be implemented from 10:00 this morning until 05:00 on Monday morning. This is to replenish the emergency reserves in order to contain loadshedding to lower stages next week,” said Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha.

“A generation unit at Kendal was forced offline for emergency repairs while a unit each at Majuba, Lethabo and Camden power stations, as well as Hydro de Cahorra Bassa in Mozambique, were shut down for critical planned maintenance in preparation for the week ahead,” he further said.

IS MORE LOAD SHEDDING LIKELY NEXT WEEK?

At this point, Eskom will probably continue rolling out lower stages of load shedding in the following week. But clarity will be given on the state of the grid as it is expected to shed some light on its current situation during a media briefing on Monday.

It says it currently has 5 579MW on planned maintenance, while another 16 599MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.

“Eskom will hold a media briefing on Monday to update the public on the state of the power system. Any further significant changes will be promptly communicated. Eskom urges all South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly,” Mantshantsha added.

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