By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Due to the higher than anticipated demand, Stage 5 load shedding will be implemented from 16:00 today until midnight on Friday, Eskom said in a statement.
Thereafter, Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented until 05:00 on Sunday. Breakdowns have reduced to 16 302MW of generating capacity while the generating capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 3 616MW, it added.
If demand can be managed, the utility anticipates moving to stage 2 and stage 4 load shedding on Sunday.
Breakdowns have reduced to 16,302MW of generating capacity while the generating capacity out ofservice for planned maintenance is 3,616MW.
Over the past 24 hours, a generating unit each at Arnot, Duvha and two generating units at Matla power stations were returned to service.
In the same period, a generating unit each at Grootvlei, Kendal, Kriel and two generating units at Camden power stations were taken offline for repairs.
The delay in returning to service a generating unit at Kendal and two generating units at Tutuka power stations is contributing to the current capacity constraints.
The group warned earlier this week that load shedding was likely to escalate as demand ticked higher and its reserves depleted heading into the weekend.
The escalation is likely due to colder weather that is setting in around the country amid another cold front.
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.