By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Embattled power utility Eskom says Stage 5 load shedding will continue to be implemented until 05:00 on Tuesday, it will then be reduced to Stage 3 and Stage 4 respectively.
Eskom said it had returned to service five generating units which will “allow emergency reserves to be adequately replenished by Tuesday morning”. This will enable the reduction of load shedding to Stage 3 from 05:00 on Tuesday until 16:00.
Stage 4 load shedding will then be implemented from 16:00 on Tuesday until 05:00 on Wednesday. This alternating pattern of Stage 3 load shedding from 05:00 to 16:00 and Stage 4 load shedding from 16:00 to 05:00 will be repeated daily until further notice, Eskom added.
Eskom’s spokesperson, Daphne Mokwena says, “Eskom will closely monitor the power system and communicate any changes to load shedding should it be required.
“Unplanned outages have reduced to 14 579MW of generating capacity, while the capacity out of service for planned maintenance is at 7 316MW,” added Mokwena.
Mokwena said the utility continues working around the clock to ensure that additional generating units are returned to service.
“A total of 2 150MW of generating capacity is planned to be returned to service by Wednesday. Eskom’s evening peak demand tonight is 26 902MW.”
For access to other load shedding schedules, Eskom has made them available on loadshedding.eskom.co.za.
Smartphone users can also download the app EskomSePush to receive push notifications when load shedding is implemented, as well as the times the area you are in will be off.