Embattled power utility Eskom has warned that it might have to implement stage 2 load shedding at short notice following the loss in generating capacity and the slow return of generating units to operation.
The utility said it might implement stage 2 load shedding between 16:00 and 00:00 from Tuesday, 2 August 2022, continuing at the same time util Friday.
“The delay in returning a generation unit to service each at Arnot, Kusile and Koeberg power stations, as well as the failure of a generation unit each at Medupi, Hendrina Cadem and two units at Majuba power stations, have exacerbated the capacity constraints,” said Eskom
Some of the unit at other power stations are expected to return to service over the next few days. “Should there be any further loss of generation capacity over the next three days, or should units fail to return to service as anticipated, load shedding may be required to be implemented at short notice.”
The utility currently has 2,986MW offline for scheduled maintenance, with a further 15,513MW available due to breakdowns.
Eskom suspended load shedding 10 days ago, following five weeks of intense rolling blackouts reaching as high as stage 6.
The power utility urges all South Africans to use electricity sparingly and will inform the public if there are any necessary changes.
Source: Business Tech, Eyewitness News, My Broadband, image from Twitter Bloomberg Africa