Another evening of load shedding ahead as Eskom implements stage 2
Eskom will once against implement stage 2 load shedding on Friday.
The power utility has been switching off the lights between 5pm and 10pm this week due to a lack of generation power and says it will again be necessary on Friday evening.
Currently, 2 094MW is not available due to planned maintenance while another 16 305MW is unavailable because of breakdowns at various power stations.
"Since yesterday afternoon a generating unit each at the Majuba, Tutuka, Grootvlei, Kriel and Matimba power stations were returned to service.This, however, is still insufficient to suspend the implementation of loadshedding as a generation unit each at the Kriel, Kusile, Majuba, Camden, Matla power stations either tripped or were taken offload for repairs,” says Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha.
One generation unit at Kusile Power Station is expected to return to service this afternoon
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Mantshantsha says the cooler weather is also added to the strain on the grid.
"The onset of winter has seen increased demand and this will lead to capacity constraints throughout this period, particularly during the evening and morning peaks. Unfortunately, this would generally require the implementation of loadshedding during the evening peaks."
