Some relief as Eskom downgrades load shedding to stage 2
Ailing power utility Eskom says the dreaded power cuts have been downgraded to stage 2 from stage 3.
Four generating units have returned online which resulted in Sunday’s load shedding being downgraded.
“Continuing with load shedding will help replenish the emergency reserves including the hydro-pumped storage scheme levels to better prepare for next week,” says Eskom’s spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha.
Eskom implemented stage 3 load shedding on Saturday to reduce the usage of emergency diesel reserves and replenish hydro-pumped storage levels.
Mantshantsha says technicians have been working around the clock to keep the lights on.
Breakdowns at power stations were at 10 235 megawatt on Sunday morning.
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Miners welcome plans to open up power generation
President Cyril Ramaphosa in his annual state of the nation address Thursday night outlined a raft of steps that will allow firms to generate electricity for their own use. He admitted power cuts in recent months had had a debilitating effect on the economy and vowed to "rapidly and significantly" shore up electricity generation outside the debt-saddled Eskom.
He once again warned that there could be an immediate change in the system and may change the stage of load shedding at short notice.
“Eskom also reminds South Africans that there is a possibility of increased load shedding over the next 18 months as we are conducting critical maintenance to restore the ageing plant to good health.”