Eskom warned that any further deterioration in the generation performance could necessitate the escalation of loadshedding at short notice.
ESKOM has announced that it will implement stage two loadshedding today from 12:00 midday to 22:00.
The power utility stated that this was due to a severely constrained generation system as a result of multiple unit breakdowns.
“Ten generation units at seven power stations suffered breakdowns in the last 48 hours,” Eskom said.
“A generator each broke down at Arnot, Medupi, Lethabo, Matla power stations, while two units each at Majuba, Camden and Tutuka power stations also broke down. This, together with the need to conserve emergency generation reserves, necessitates that loadshedding be implemented in order to protect the integrity of the system.”
Unplanned breakdowns stand at 11 665MW of capacity, adding to the 4 558MW currently out on planned maintenance.
Eskom warned that any further deterioration in the generation performance could necessitate the escalation of loadshedding at short notice.
“As the aged generation infrastructure is unreliable and volatile, this constrained power system is expected to persist for the rest of the week.”
South Africans were urged to help reduce electricity usage in order to assist Eskom to reduce the instance of loadshedding.
