Load shedding resumes on Spring Day

NATIONAL NEWS - Earlier this morning, Eskom announced the implementation of stage 2 load shedding from midday until 22:00.

According to the embattled power utility, a ‘severely constrained generation system as a result of multiple unit breakdowns’ is the reason for the resumption of load shedding.

“Ten generation units at seven power stations have suffered breakdowns in the past 48 hours,” said Eskom.

“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 load shedding be implemented to protect the integrity of the system.”

In case you missed it, this is how you will be affected:

George and Sedgefield will be off from 14:00 to 16:30.
Uniondale will be off from 17:00 to 19:30.
Oudtshoorn will not be affected.
Mossel Bay, Plettenberg Bay and Knysna: 12:00 to 14:30.
Stilbaai, Riversdale, Albertinia and Gouritsmond: 12:00 - 14:30.
Heidelberg, Slangrivier and Witsand will not be affected.
Aberdeen, Rietbron, Uniondale, Somerset-East & Nieu-Bethesday: not affected
Graaff-Reinet & Middelburg: 12:00 - 13:30
Jansenville & Klipplaat: 13:00 - 15:30
Willowmore & Cradock: 17:00 - 19:30
Steytlerville & Waterford: 15:00 - 17:30
Murraysburg: 16:00 - 18:30

For more information, visit the official Eskom website by clicking here.

Eskom said unplanned breakdowns stand at 11 665MW of capacity, adding to the 4 558MW currently out on planned maintenance.A further degeneration of the system may result in the escalation of load shedding at short notice.

Eskom said the ‘aged generation infrastructure is unreliable and volatile’, adding that this constrained power system is expected to last for the rest of the week.

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