On Wednesday 11 May, Eskom once again sent out a ‘Power Alert 1’ stating that South Africa can expect Stage 2 loadshedding from 17:00 to 22:00 tonight.
Eskom targets the evening peaks
Since the two main spikes in electricity usage fall between 05:00 – 09:00 in the morning and 16:00 – 22:00 in the evening, Eskom is struggling to keep up with the demand.
Therefore, stage 2 loadshedding is implanted as a means to bring relief to the generation capacity.
And since two generation units at Hendrina Power Station and one at Matimba Power Station had to be taken offline for repairs, the system is even more constrained.
Two units are also expected to be returned online from service – one at Ksulie and one at Tutuka power stations. However, with Eskom’s delays in returning serviced units, the chances are slim.
Use electricity sparingly
The power station reminded all consumers that electricity is automatically used more during winter seasons.
Thus, they urge everyone to switch off appliances that are not needed and to spare electricity where possible.
