Eskom to implement load shedding from Wednesday afternoon

The embattled power utility’s management team provided an update on the current system challenges amid continuous power outages.

On Tuesday, five units tripped – leading to system constraints.

De Ruyter told the media that a unit each at Majuba, Kriel and Matimba power stations have returned to service while the remaining two units are undergoing boiler tube leak repairs.

However, there are insufficient generation capacity at Medupi, Duvha and Kendal power stations.

De Ruyter says this has forced the utility to implement rolling blackouts.

“We have a challenge with our remaining emergency reserves forecasting. Our projected diesel consumption has put us in a position where we are likely to depleat our diesel reserve too quickly and that will create an undue amount of risk on the system and consequently we have to preserve our emergency reserve.

“The necessary implication of that is that stage 2 load shedding will be implemented from 2pm this afternoon until 5am on Saturday morning.” 

The utility’s total breakdowns currently amount to    15 485MW while planned maintenance is 4 100MW of capacity.

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