Another evening of load shedding ahead as Eskom implements stage 2

The power utility has been switching off the lights between 5pm and 10pm this week due to a lack of generation power and says it will again be necessary on Thursday evening.

Currently, 2379 MW is not available due to planned maintenance while another 15 365 MW is unavailable because of breakdowns at various power stations.

"Last night a generating unit at Lethabo Power Station was taken offline for repairs,” says Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha.

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“One generation unit each at Kusile and Tutuka power stations were returned to service. A generation unit each at Matimba and Tutuka power stations are expected to return to service this afternoon."

Mantshantsha says the cooler weather is also added to the strain on the grid.

"The onset of winter has seen increased demand and this will lead to capacity constraints throughout this period, particularly during the evening and morning peaks. Unfortunately, this would generally require the implementation of load shedding during the evening peaks."