Experts also believe that Eskom hasn’t been entirely truthful about its load shedding schedules – Photo: iStock
BREAKING: Eskom SUSPENDS load shedding
Eskom has attributed the move to suspend stage 2 load shedding to improved generation capacity and lower weekend demand
Experts also believe that Eskom hasn’t been entirely truthful about its load shedding schedules – Photo: iStock
South Africans can breathe a sigh of relief for now as Eskom has announced it is suspending load shedding, for now that is. The embattled power utility has attributed the move to improved generation capacity as well as lower weekend demand.
“Due to much improved generation capacity and the lower weekend demand, as well as a full recovery in emergency generation reserves, Stage 2 loadshedding has been suspended for this afternoon,” said Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha in a statement.
LOAD SHEDDING COULD BE IMPLEMENTED AGAIN
Eskom says while it is able to suspend load shedding, its system remains vulnerable, which means implementing rolling blackouts could happen soon. In the meantime, the parastatal has urged customers to continue using electricity sparingly.
“While we are able to suspend the loadshedding at this point, it is important to note that the generation system is still vulnerable to breakdowns and loadshedding may be required. We therefore urge all South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly, especially during these uncertain times on the power system. Eskom will promptly communicate should a need arise”
Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha
According to Mantshantsha, there are currently 4 116MW on planned maintenance, while another 12 437MW of capacity is
unavailable due to breakdowns. Earlier, Eskom had said capacity constraints have been further exacerbated by the delay in returning generation units to service each at Koeberg, Kusile and Tutuka power stations. It also said unplanned breakdowns of a generation unit each at Camden and Medupi, two at Hendrina and four units at Arnot power stations, have also factored in the move to continue load shedding this weekend.
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