PHUTI MOSOMANE
POWER utility Eskom has announced that stage 6 loadshedding will be implemented from Wednesday amid breakdowns and shortage of generation capacity.
“Due to a shortage of generation capacity, stage 6 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00this afternoon until 05:00 on Thursday. Thereafter, Stage 5 loadshedding will be implemented until 16:00 on Thursday,” Eskom said in a brief statement.
It said due to a shortage of generation capacity, the pattern will be repeated daily until further notice.
“Eskom will publish a further update as soon as any significant changes occur,” it said.
Breakdowns are currently at 16 772MW of generation capacity.
On the other hand, the generating capacity out of service for planned maintenance has reduced to 5 807MW.
While in the last 24 hours two generation units were returned to service at Kriel power station, a generation unit at Duvha Power station was taken offline for repairs.
Eskom said the delays in returning a unit to service at Camden, Kendal, Lethabo, Medupi and Tutuka power stations have contributed to the capacity constraints.
“Similarly, the increase in demand after the long weekend and the re-opening of the schools has put additional strain on the power generation system,” Eskom said.
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