Stage 2 load shedding back on Wednesday evening

Eskom confirmed a loss of three generation units is behind the latest blackouts.

This includes two generation units at Hendrina Power Station and one at Matimba Power Station.

The power utility’s spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha says despite the power cuts, there is some progress with one generation unit at Arnot Power Station earlier returned to service, while a generation unit each at Kusile and Tutuka power stations are expected to return to service later on Wednesday. 

“We currently have 2 329MW on planned maintenance, while another 15 988MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.”

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Residents and businesses have seen blackouts since the start of the week.

“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,” Mantshantsha says.

“Unfortunately, this would generally require the implementation of load shedding during the evening peaks.”