Eskom to implement stages 4 and 5 load shedding until further notice

Eskom has announced that stage 5 load shedding will be implemented from 4pm this afternoon until 5am on Wednesday.

Thereafter, stage 4 rolling blackouts will be implemented from 5am until 4pm on Wednesday. According to the struggling power utility, this pattern will be repeated daily until further notice.

Breakdowns

Eskom said the increase in the stages of load shedding is due to breakdowns at its power stations, which are currently at 18 177MW of generating capacity while the generating capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 2 629MW.

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Over the past 24 hours, the utility said a generating unit each at Duvha, Kriel, Majuba, Medupi and Tutuka power stations were returned to service.

“In the same period, a generation unit each at Arnot, Camden, Tutuka and two generating units at Kriel power stations were taken out of service due to breakdowns.

“Furthermore, the delay in returning units to service at Arnot, Kendal, Kriel, Lethabo, Matla, Tutuka and two generating units at Hendrina power stations continue to add to the current capacity constraints.

“The team is working tirelessly to ensure that generating units are returned to service as soon as possible,” Eskom said in a statement.

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