load shedding

Eskom is currently implementing Stage 4 and 5 load shedding. Image: Canva

Hello darkness, my old friend: Stage 4 implemented INDEFINITELY

Eskom said that the country will remain in Stage 4 until diesel supplies to the two Open Cycle Gas Turbine stations can be resumed.

load shedding

Eskom is currently implementing Stage 4 and 5 load shedding. Image: Canva

Eskom announced on the evening of Wednesday, 28 September, that Stage 4 load shedding would be implemented indefinitely.

Delays in diesel supply plunge SA into Stage 4

The power utility says that delays in the supply of diesel are the reason behind this. In a thread shared on Twitter, Eskom said Stage 4 would be implemented throughout the night and continue until diesel stocks have been fully replenished.

It explained that a vessel carrying diesel that is supposed to offload the contents at Mossel Bay cannot berth due to rough seas. Due to this, Eskom has to preserve the ‘low’ diesel levels at Gourikwa.

Eskom says this stage will be maintained until diesel supplies resume

It added that delivery to Ankerlig will take time to replenish as it is done via road tankers. The utility stated that Stage 4 will be maintained until diesel supplies to the two Open Cycle Gas Turbine stations can be resumed.

Stage 4 will be maintained until we can resume diesel supplies to the two Open Cycle Gas Turbine stations,” said Eskom.

Eskom added that Camden Power Station has a technical problem with the water chemistry and shut down three units this afternoon. The remaining four units will also be shut down.

Eskom will publish a more comprehensive statement tomorrow,” it concluded.

‘Public must use less electricity to stop load shedding’ – Ramaphosa

Earlier this week, it was reported that President Ramaphosa has laid down the gauntlet for ordinary South Africans on Monday, asking them to use less electricity and ease the pressure on Eskom’s troubled grid.

We don’t have to tell you what an awful few weeks we’ve had with load shedding. Stage 6 cuts and perpetual darkness have crippled the country. In that time, Cyril Ramaphosa has been jet-setting abroad and holding virtual meetings. Progress is slow, and the public is at breaking point.

Though load shedding is expected to ease in the coming days, Eskom remains an unpredictable entity. With units tripping left, right, and centre, our ageing energy fleet is letting South Africa down on a regular basis – and Ramaphosa has admitted that there’s ‘no quick fix’ to this issue. Read the full story here.