The embattled power utility has been implementing varying stages of load shedding since the weekend after five units tripped at Kusile, Arnot, Camden, as well as two units at Duvha Power Station, causing a loss of 2 400MW. 

Thursday was the fifth consecutive day of either stage 5 or stage 6 power cuts. 

The power utility had made a promise of "possibly" reducing power cuts by one stage by Thursday, but the announcement shattered hopes that that would indeed be the case.  

READ: Cabinet briefing cancelled amid electricity crisis

On Wednesday, Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshanstha said four generation units at four power stations were taken offline for emergency repairs since Monday, forcing the utility to ramp up power cuts. 

These are a generating unit each at Arnot, Lethabo, Kendal, and Majuba power stations. 

Mantshanstha says an announcement will be made on Friday afternoon with regards to the prospects for the rest of the weekend and for next week.