Eskom ramps upload shedding to stage 2
Eskom has implemented stage 2 load shedding from 4pm on Friday until further notice.
This is due to a breakdown of six generating units at five power stations at Duvha, Grootvlei, Hendrina, Majuba and Arnot Power Station.
This week the country was placed on stage 1 and 2 of the planned power cuts as the utility continues to struggle to keep lights on.
Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha says there is need to conserve emergency generation reserves, as well as the delay in returning to service numerous generating units.
"The delay in returning to service two generating units at Camden and one unit each at Arnot and Duvha power stations contributed to the capacity constraints. A generating unit each at Kriel and Matla power stations were returned to service during this period.
"As previously communicated, due to the depletion of the budget to acquire diesel for the Open Cycle Gas Turbines, Eskom has been forced to strictly conserve the fuel for the direst of emergencies."
Mantshantsha says South Africans should brace themselves for more blackouts.
“The imminent refuelling and maintenance outage, as well as the long-term operation project of Unit 1 of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, together with the October chimney failure that has forced three generation units offline at Kusile Power Station, will further reduce available generation capacity and significantly increase the occurrence of load shedding during the next six to 12 months.”
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