Stage two load shedding implemented today

The utility says the electricity system remains under severe strain and that it has not been able to get power units, that broke down, up and running again.

Click here to find KZN's load shedding schedules.

Eskom's technical teams have been working nonstop, but they say the wet weather in some parts has put a damper on restoration efforts. 

"As the generating plant continues to perform at low level of reliability, our technical teams were unable to return units from planned and unplanned maintenance as scheduled."

"With units not returning, we were unable to replenish water reserves overnight for our pumped storage schemes."

"As the electricity system continues to remain under severe pressure with unplanned breakdowns remaining above 12,500 MW, stage 2 load shedding will regrettably be implemented from 9am until 6am tomorrow morning," it said in a statement.  

The utility says there have been coal handling issues at some power stations, and they have been losing loads due to wet coal. 

Eskom has again reminded South Africans to reduce electricity consumption. 

"We remind customers that load shedding is a controlled measure to protect the power system from a total collapse or blackout," it said. 

It says consumers can turn off geysers during peak periods and shut-down computers and copying machines when we are not using them.