Eskom introduces Stage 3 load shedding

Eskom is introducing Stage 3 load shedding, saying the lights are set to remain off, at controlled times, until 11pm this evening.    

Residents and businesses were caught off guard - yesterday afternoon - when the power giant implemented Stage 4 of the scheduled electricity cuts saying it had to - to ease the strain on the national grid. 

Eskom's Khulu Phasiwe explains why they need to continue switching our lights off today.

ALSO READ: Stage 2 rotational loadshedding underway

"This Sunday, we experienced technical breakdowns at some of our power stations. Manu of those units are still offline. We have not been able to replenish our diesel and water resources. We at a weakened position and that's why there is load shedding today."

Find your load shedding schedules here.

According to the Eskom board, the utility's embarking on an in-depth audit of the entire power system to ensure that every, single technical problem is understood.  

Phasiwe says the board met with executive management and Public Enterprises Minister - Pravin Gordhan - after the unexpected return of load shedding on Sunday.   

"Yesterday, we were on Stage 4 but unfortunately, the reality is that there is load shedding at this stage. We don't know when exactly will the situation be brought under control, our technical teams are working on the situation to resolve it. 

"There were seven units that were offline yesterday, about four of them have been returned back to service. The three remaining ones are still offline which is why we are still on load shedding," Phasiwe said. 

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