Various load shedding stages to be implemented until Wednesday

Eskom has announced that Stage 4 load shedding will again be implemented from 17:00 on Sunday. The ailing parastatal suspended load shedding at 8a.m on Sunday, due to ‘’a sufficient recovery in generating capacity and pumped storage dam levels.’’

Stage 4 load shedding will last until 16:00 on Monday. Stage 5 loadshedding will then be implemented during the evenings between 16:00 – 00:00 from Monday to Wednesday.

Eskom’s spokesperson, Sikonathi Manthantsha said rolling power cuts will vary between Stage 4 and Stage 2 during the day until Wednesday.

SCREENSHOT: Eskom's load shedding schedule

‘’Changes in the stages of loadshedding will be more erratic due to the absence of the buffer that is normally provided by the diesel generation capacity between generating unit breakdowns.’’

‘’The increased implementation of loadshedding is mainly due to the high levels of breakdowns and the depleted emergency generation reserves,’’ he added.

The embattled power utility previously warned that load shedding will be with us for at least 12 months, and this is due to repairs at Kusile Power Station, and the lack of funding for diesel.

‘’Three units at Kusile Power Station are offline due to the duct (chimney structure) failure late in October and will remain offline for a few months while repairs to the chimney system take place. Unit 1 of Koeberg Nuclear Power Station will continue to generate at a reduced output over the next three weeks as the fuel is depleted ahead of the refuelling and maintenance outage scheduled to commence in December 2022.’’

‘’Since Sunday morning a generating unit each at Arnot, Grootvlei and Majuba power stations were taken offline for repairs. A generating unit at Kriel Power Station was returned to service,’’ added Eskom’s spokesperson, Sikonathi Manthantsha.

 

PICTURE - Mitchum George: Load shedding at Bush Radio

Done By: Mitchum George