Stage 2 load shedding

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Just In: STAGE 2 load shedding to be implemented on Thursday 22 July

Sorry Mzansi…from cold weather to Eskom’s Stage 2 load shedding we go. Best we be prepared though right? Here’s what you need to know.

Stage 2 load shedding

Image via: Adobe Stock

Here we go again Mzansi and somehow, it always seems to come at the worst of times, doesn’t it? Sorry to tell you but Stage 2 load shedding will be implemented on Thursday 22 July 2021 due to a shortage of generation capacity Eskom says. 

STAGE 2 LOAD SHEDDING PLANNED FOR THE AFTERNOON ON THURSDAY 

According to our darling embattled power utility, Stage 2 load shedding will be implemented from 16:00 until 21:00 tonight due to a shortage of generation capacity but that’s not all. It is apparently also due to severely cold weather in parts of the country. 

“Unfortunately, a generation unit each at Tutuka and Medupi Power Stations were forced offline this afternoon, increasing the capacity constraints on the power system. Further, a unit each at Medupi and Tutuka, that were expected to return to service this afternoon have now been delayed, further contributing to the shortages,” it said. 

Breakdowns currently total 14 137MW while planned maintenance is 2 924MW of capacity.

“Eskom regrets the inconvenience caused by these power constraints, and would like to urge the public to reduce the usage of electricity in order to help ease the pressure on the power system, and will communicate promptly should there be any significant changes to the performance of the system,” it added. 

WE SAW THIS ONE COMING, DIDN’T WE? 

Earlier this week, Energy Expert Ted Blom said we should plan for possible load shedding. Yes, the oracle, so to speak, was right once again. While Blom didn’t specify that it would be Stage 2, he gave us a warning nevertheless. 

Speaking of warnings, Eskom also raised a flag but far too late we would say. With just two hours to spare, Eskom said it MAY BE FORCED to implement load shedding at short notice should further generation capacity losses occur. 

“The system is currently severely strained, and it is anticipated that towards the evening peak, the system will come under pressure due to a higher demand for electricity. We’d like to ask the public to reduce their consumption of electricity between 16:00 and 21:00 this evening, in order to help ease the strain on the power supply,” Eskom said a mere two hours before the Stage 2 announcement.