Eskom implements Stage 4 rotational load shedding

As communicated in the power alert issued last night, Eskom is implementing Stage 4 rotational loadshedding until 23:00 tonight as a result of shortage of capacity with a number of generating units still out of service due to breakdowns. Eskom will communicate if there is a change in the system during the day.

A media release from Eskom reads, “While progress has been made with coal handling at Medupi Power Station, breakdowns were at 15 200MW as at 05:43 today.
The incessant rains continue to impact coal handling and operations at our power stations. The probability for loadshedding remains high for the rest of the week.
The Emergency Response Command Centre continues to monitor the situation and the focus is to reduce unplanned breakdowns to below 9 500MW to enable us to minimise and to stop loadshedding in the following week.”

Read: Load shedding schedule

“We remind customers that loadshedding at Stage 4 is no cause for alarm as the system is being effectively controlled. Loadshedding is a responsible act and highly controlled process, implemented to protect the country from a national blackout. During Stage 4, 4000MW is rotationally loadshed nationally at a given period. Even during this stage, approximately 80% of the country’s demand is still being met.

We continue to ask customers to reduce demand as a concerted collective effort can help to avoid or lessen the level of loadshedding. As we are experiencing rainy and cooler weather conditions in some parts of the country, we ask that you use efficient heating to keep warm and switch off your geysers over peak periods.

We will keep South Africans informed about the status of the electricity system and our recovery efforts throughout this period.

Eskom customers can check their loadshedding schedules on the Eskom website (loadshedding.eskom.co.za) or through the customer contact centre on 0860037566.
We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience during this difficult period.”