Stage 4 load shedding to kick in over the weekend

Stage 4 load shedding is set to kick in on Saturday from 16h00 as multiple generation units at state utility Eskom have reportedly shut down.

Eskom issued a power alert on Friday afternoon, notifying consumers that the load-shedding ramp-up will begin with the implementation of Stage 3 on Friday. At the same time, the weekend will see alternation between Stages 3 and 4.

The utility has blamed the setbacks on “the shutdown of six generating units, as well as the delay in returning three generating units to service”.

“This will be followed by Stage 3 load shedding from 05h00 on Saturday until 16h00 when Stage 4 will be implemented. Stage 3 load shedding from 05h00 to 16h00 and Stage 4 from 16h00 to 05h00 will continue until Sunday when Eskom will share a further update for the week ahead.”

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Eskom noted that its generation systems were battling 15 561MW worth of lost capacity due to unplanned outages, while planned maintenance has resulted in 7 828MW of generating capacity being offline.

“Eskom Power Station general managers and their teams are working tirelessly to ensure that 1 960MW of generating capacity is returned to service by Monday evening.

“Eskom’s load forecast for the evening peak demand for Friday is 25 169MW,” the utility added.

Listen to SAfm’s Jimmy Moyaha and Eskom board chair Dr Mteto Nyati discuss the new board of the National Transmission Company: