Eskom warns load shedding could return at short notice

Eskom warns load shedding could return at short notice

Our power system remains fragile - which means loadshedding could be implemented at short notice 

Woman reading book with candles
Woman reading book with candles/ iStock

Stage 2 of the power cuts made a return last night, less than 24 hours after they were suspended. 

Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter says they were left with no choice after losing several power units. 

"We are currently in a situation where our planned load losses are at 5350 megawatts. Our unplanned full losses are at a very high level of 10 825. Our partial load losses are at 5107 and our total unplanned capacity loss of 15 932, which is unacceptably high."

De Ruyter's urged the country to use electricity sparingly. 

Meanwhile, Eskom COO Jan Oberholzer says while some units are expected to recover this evening, don't put your torches and candles away just yet.

"I think we need to put some risk probability, but I believe we can easily bring back, if the dedication and commitment is there, at least another 2000 megawatts back. 

"Maybe we will be using diesel during the day. The indications now seem that the system will be stabilising by Wednesday, so we trust that will happen."

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