Eskom warns of load shedding at short notice as five generating units fail

Eskom warns of load shedding as generators fail. Photographer: Ayanda Ndamane/African News Agency (ANA)

Eskom warns of load shedding as generators fail. Photographer: Ayanda Ndamane/African News Agency (ANA)

Published Nov 16, 2021

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CAPE TOWN: Just as South Africans had some sight of relief, power utility Eskom has warned of loadshedding at short notice after five units failed, losing over 16000MW of power.

The power utility is urging residents to reduce their electricity consumption as five generating units failed on Tuesday.

“Eskom requests the public to reduce the usage of electricity as the power system is severely constrained following the failure of five generating units,” it said.

The struggling power utility said while no load shedding is currently being implemented, it requested the assistance of the public to use less electricity where possible.

It said five generation units at various power stations had failed throughout the day - three in just two hours.

“Should there be any further loss of generation capacity, load shedding would be required to be implemented at very short notice.

“A generating unit each at Kusile and Majuba power stations were taken offline to repair boiler tube leaks, while a generating unit each at Kriel, Majuba and Matimba power stations tripped.

“The return to service of a generating unit each at Kendal and Tutuka were delayed,” Eskom said.

The total breakdowns have increased to 16 822 MW the power utility said, while planned maintenance is 4 888MW of capacity as it continues with the reliability maintenance.

Eskom appealed to all South Africans to assist and help avoid the implementation of load shedding by reducing the usage of electricity and to switch off all non-essential items.

The power utility stated that it would communicate promptly should there be any significant changes to the power system.