Staff Reporter.
Eskom has sent out an alert that its system is under pressure, warning that stage 2 load shedding may be implemented at short notice this week.
If load shedding is implemented, it will likely be required between 16h00 and 00h00 over the course of the week, it said.
“This is due to a shortage of generation capacity owing to breakdowns and delays in returning some generating units to service. We, therefore, urge all South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly. Eskom will promptly communicate should there be any significant changes.”
The utility has suffered breakdowns of two generation units at Arnot, and one each at Camden and Lethabo power stations during the past 24 hours – as well as the delay in returning a generating unit to service each at Kendal, Komati and two units at Tutuka power stations.
This has put a severe strain on the power generation system, it said.
“Over the weekend Eskom teams have returned to service two generating units at Kendal Power Station and a unit each at Hendrina, Kusile and Tutuka power stations.”
The group currently has 4,872MW on planned maintenance, while another 13,983MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.