Experts also believe that Eskom hasn’t been entirely truthful about its load shedding schedules – Photo: iStock
Loadshedding: Eskom loses five large generation units in the past 36 hours
Eskom is to continue rolling out loadshedding this week as the power utility loses five large generation units in the past 36 hours.
Experts also believe that Eskom hasn’t been entirely truthful about its load shedding schedules – Photo: iStock
The country is to start a week with blackouts yet again as Eskom has lost large generation units over the past 36 hours.
Another issue facing the power utility is the delay in the returning in five units to service.
THE WEEK’S LOADSHEDDING FORECAST
ALSO READ: Eskom announces seven generation units’ return to service
With the new schedule for the week, it appears so far that the country will not face the disruptive Stage 6 power cuts.
“Loadshedding will regrettably be increased to Stage 3 (previously communicated Stage 2) at 07:00 to 16:00 [on Sunday]. Between 16:00 and 00:00, loadshedding will be implemented at Stage 4 and then reduced to Stage 2 until 05:00 on Monday.”
Eskom spokesperson, Sikonathi Mantshantsha
POWER STATIONS IN GENERATION CRISIS
Three units at the Kendal power station, one at Tutuka and one at Majuba are offline for emergency repairs. The return of service of a unit each at Medupi, Arnot, Camden, Kriel and Duvha power stations has been delayed.
“Regrettably, Stage 4 loadshedding will have to be implemented at 05:00 to 00:00 on Monday. Loadshedding will then be reduced to Stage 2 from midnight until 05:00 on Tuesday.”
This loadshedding sequence is expected to be repeated throughout the week, Mantshantsha said.
ALSO READ: Kusile to boost Eskom this winter
Eskom currently has 4 597MW on planned maintenance while another 16 457MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.
“As the generation capacity shortages persist over the next few weeks, loadshedding will continue to be implemented at various stages. Eskom cautions the public that it will still take a few weeks for the power generations systems to recover,” said Mantshantsha.
The power utility continues to emphasise that the rollout of loadshedding is the last resort to protect the national grid.
“We, therefore, urge all South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly, especially during these uncertain times on the power system,” said Mantshantsha.
