'Disastrous' week for Eskom as 42 units trip - Oberholzer
Eskom has described a series of breakdowns at the country's power stations over the past week as "disastrous," saying that since last Monday, some 42 generating units have tripped.
The utility held a media briefing on the state of our national grid on Monday morning.
Chief Operations Officer Jan Oberholzer spoke of their frustration at getting their units back online.
He added that load shedding won't be going anywhere anytime soon.
"From Monday to Sunday, the real disastrous week in terms of all the breakdowns that we have experienced in the generation coal fleet. If you add all of these, we had 42 units tripping during the week.
"However, it is important to understand that we have various plans in place. However, this is going to take time. I believe for the next 12 months, or so, we may not see the required benefits yet."
Load shedding stage 3 is underway.
READ: Areas north of Durban to experience water interruptions
Meanwhile, Eskom says the electricity distributor responsible for feeding disaster-hit Jagersfontein in the Free State is submerged in mud.
A mine dam wall collapsed, leaving at least three people dead and dozens homeless, over the weekend.
The utility says it can't say when power to the area will be restored.
Eskom says technicians still need to inspect the substation to determine the extent of the damage.
Nathi Shabangu, who's with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, says teams are making their way to the area to investigate.
"The department's inspectors are en route to the site and further information thereof will be communicated following investigations."
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