It’s the day after elections and load shedding looms

Just hours after the municipal elections Eskom has warned that load shedding may be implemented at short notice as power systems are currently under severe pressure.

The power utility says that power cuts may be requested should any further breakdowns occur or should some of its generating units not return to service as expected.

Read the full statement here.

“Eskom teams returned a generation unit each at Camden, Kendal and Medupi power stations over the past 24 hours,” the utility said in a statement.

“Over the same period two generation units; one at Arnot and another at Hendrina tripped while a unit each at Arnot and Lethabo were forced to shut down.

“Eskom would like to remind customers and the public that load shedding is implemented as a last resort to maintain the stability of the power system.”

It says the total breakdowns currently amount to 15 852MW, while planned maintenance is at 4 036MW of capacity.

“We would like again to apologise for the inconvenience caused to the people of South Africa by the constraints,” the power utility added.

Eskom urges the public to continue using electricity sparingly and says that it will communicate promptly should there be any significant changes to the power system.

Read: Gordhan tries to reassure country as Stage 4 load shedding bites