Eskom to implement load-shedding on Saturday

The power utility's spokesperson Khulu Phasiwe says the national grid remains constrained due to high plant breakdowns.

There may be some relief on Sunday as Eskom might not have to implement the dreaded rolling blackouts. 

Phasiwe says there is a high probability that Stage 2 load-shedding will be implemented for the whole of next week. 

"The main reason for this is the expected decrease in electricity demand as industries and businesses close for the festive break. However, the heavy rains that are normally experienced over the December period could impact coal handling and thus impact generation production. 

"We continue to warn customers that while no load-shedding is anticipated during this period, the power system remains vulnerable and any shift could result in rotational load-shedding.  Supply interruptions due to localised power outages could also occur," he says. 

"We have been using emergency resources in order to balance the system for a while and most recently to limit the extent and duration of load-shedding. This includes using diesel-run open cycle gas turbines, which is not a financially sustainable solution. We have also used pumped storage stations, which use water to generate electricity, to supplement capacity and to minimise the magnitude of load-shedding. 

"During this period, Eskom also engaged with its industrial customers to allow us to reduce their supply in terms of what is known as load curtailment."