Stage 4 load shedding to continue into the weekend

Stage 4 load shedding will continue until further notice due to high levels of breakdowns and depleted emergency generation reserves, according to a statement issued by Eskom on Friday.

It says changes in load shedding stages will be more erratic due to the absence of the buffer usually provided by diesel generation capacity between generating unit breakdowns.

“Since Friday morning a generating unit each at Kendal and Kriel power stations were taken offline for repairs. Delays in returning to service a unit each at Arnot, Grootvlei, Hendrina and Tutuka power stations have contributed to the capacity constraints.”

The power utility says a generating unit each at Camden, Kriel, Tutuka and two units at Majuba power stations were returned to service.

“We currently have 4 887MW on planned maintenance, while another 15 320MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.”

Eskom says it will issue a further update as soon as there are significant changes.