NATIONAL NEWS - Regrettably, Stage 2 load shedding will be implemented at 17:00 this afternoon until 23:00 Friday night as the generation capacity is severely constrained. 

There is a probability that load shedding may be implemented at short notice should any further breakdowns occur before then.

Continued poor performance at the Kusile, Duvha and Tutuka Power Stations, as well as delays in returning some other units to service and breakdowns over the last week, have caused the need to implement this load shedding. 

Eskom has had to extensively utilise the emergency generation reserves, which are being rapidly depleted. 

This period of load shedding will be used to replenish the emergency generation reserves.

"We currently have 6 212MW on planned maintenance, while another 11 217MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns and delays. This has led to our inability to supply the increasing demand," reads a statement by the power utility.

"There is a high probability that load shedding may continue to be implemented throughout the weekend, depending on plants returning to service from planned maintenance, as well as the levels of the emergency generation reserves. Eskom will continue to assess and communicate promptly as the situation changes.

"As previously communicated, Eskom continues to implement reliability maintenance during this period, and as such the system will continue to be constrained, with the possibility of load shedding remaining elevated.

"Eskom requests the public to continue using electricity sparingly as the system remains vulnerable and unpredictable, and we will communicate timeously should there be any significant changes to the power system."