CAPE TOWN - Load shedding is expected to continue for the rest of the week, Eskom announced as it struggled with generation capacity.
Stage 2 load shedding will come into effect from 4pm on Tuesday until 5am on Wednesday – with more expected after that.
Eskom said in a statement on Tuesday afternoon that a generation unit at Kusile power station tripped, adding to the constraints.
Total breakdowns amounted to 17 933MW while planned maintenance was 3 451MW.
“Eskom regrets that due to a shortage of generation capacity, Stage 2 load shedding will be implemented from 4pm (on Tuesday) until 5am tomorrow (Wednesday).
“This afternoon a generation unit at Kusile power station tripped, adding to the constraints. A unit each at Matimba and Arnot power stations failed to return to service as previously anticipated.
“These constraints are expected to persist for the rest of the week, which may require load shedding to be extended. We are currently utilising emergency generation reserves extensively to supplement supply.”
Eskom warned the public earlier on Tuesday that the possibility of load shedding loomed. It said load shedding was implemented as a last resort.
“We would again like to apologise for the inconvenience caused to the people of South Africa. Eskom requests the public to continue using electricity sparingly, and will communicate promptly should there be any significant changes to the power system.”
Over the past 24 hours, Eskom teams had returned a generation unit each at Camden, Kendal and Medupi power stations.
Over the same period, two generation units – one at Arnot and another at Hendrina – tripped, while a unit each at Arnot and Lethabo were forced to shut down.
Cape Times