Stage 6 returns: Load shedding escalates as 7 units go offline

Eskom has announced a series of higher stages of load shedding (including stage 6) after seven generating units were taken offline within the past 24 hours.

The situation is dire and Eskom said the current schedule is subject to change “at short notice”. Here’s what you need to know

Load shedding update

At the time of publishing, 17 955 MW of generating capacity was unavailable due to the breakdowns, while an additional 5 042 MW is out of service due to planned maintenance.

Eskom said one unit each was taken offline for repairs at Duvha, Grootvlei, Kendal, Majuba, and Medupi power stations, while two units were taken offline at Kriel.

Three units were turned over the past 24 hours, one each at Camden, Matla and Tutuka power stations.

Stage 6 load shedding schedule

Stage 6 load shedding will come into effect from 4pm today (Monday, 24 April), until 5am on Tuesday.

Following this, stage 4 load shedding will be implemented from 5am until 4pm on Tuesday, and then stage 6 load shedding will resume until 5am on Wednesday.

Stage 3 load shedding will take place from 5am until 4pm on Wednesday.

Eskom said the current load shedding schedule is subject to change at short notice, and the team will provide updates if any significant changes occur.

What’s happening at Eskom?

Meanwhile, the power utility’s chairperson, Mpho Makwana, said technicians are working around the clock to improve plant performance and reduce load shedding.

Makwana’s apology followed the recent appointment of the energy executive Bheki Nxumalo as Head of Generation at Eskom.

Makwana said South Africa “needs to have a conversation about implementing smart metering in our country” as a way to contribute to the grid’s performance.

“As the board, we are looking at the best practice in the world, we look at the broader energy outlook to get a greater sense of thinking around solving the load shedding problems.”

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