Eskom implements stage one of load shedding

Eskom is currently implementing stage one load shedding which shifted from stage two at 11 o’clock on Thursday night.

The power utility says it will revert to stage two load shedding from nine o’clock on Friday morning until 11 o’clock Friday night.

Eskom says the system remains vulnerable. It says although it has returned units as scheduled, it has lost additional generating units.

Load shedding is required to cater for further trips and to create capacity to replenish water reserves for Eskom’s pumped storage schemes.

The utility will cut up to 2 000 MW of power from the national grid on a rotational basis from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m, Eskom spokesperson Dikatso Mothae said.

“While good progress has been made with additional units being returned to service, stage 2 load shedding will be implemented…as breakdowns are still above 9 500 MW,” the utility said in a statement.

The state-owned utility produces more than 90% of South Africa’s power but has struggled to keep up with demand, leading to nationwide power cuts that have deterred investment. -Additional reporting by reuters