Stage 4 and Stage 5 load shedding to be implemented from Tuesday

Eskom announced that it will reduce the load shedding stage from Tuesday, varying from Stage 4 and Stage 5 rolling power cuts.

The embattled parastatal implemented Stage 6 load shedding continuously from Wednesday.

Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented at 05:00 – 16:00 daily from Tuesday morning, with Stage 5 loadshedding daily from 16:00 – 05:00.

A generating unit each at Kendal, Majuba and Tutuka power stations have returned to service on Monday.

‘’Over the course of this week 14 generators are expected to return to service, helping to ease the pressure on the power system. Eskom cautions the public, however, that there is a high degree of uncertainty associated with this and that these changes will only be possible in their entirety if the units return to service as planned,’’ said Eskom spokesperson, Sikonathi Manthantsha.

Eskom warned that changes in the stages of loadshedding can occur at short notice, due to the ‘’inherent unreliability of the coal power station fleet.’’

Manthanthsa said that Eskom procured an additional 50 million litres of diesel on 06 January 2023.

‘’This fuel will be utilised sparingly to manage the pumped storage dam levels and to limit the amount of loadshedding during the day. Together, these emergency generators contribute 5 700MW of capacity.’’

‘’The summer planned maintenance programme continues, and will taper off during the winter months, helping to make more capacity available to produce electricity. There are currently 12 generators out on planned maintenance, representing 5 804MW of capacity,’’ he added.

Breakdowns currently amount to 16 173MW of generating capacity.

 

PICTURE: Pixabay

Done By: Mitchum George