Eskom has implemented stage 6 load shedding till further notice

Eskom will begin stage 6 power shedding at 16:00 on Wednesday and will continue until further notice.

The utility stated that the continuous stage 6 load-shedding was necessary owing to significant generating capacity constraints.

At the time of the release on Wednesday afternoon, Eskom had 18,041MW of capacity unavailable owing to breakdowns, with another 5,739MW offline due to scheduled maintenance.

Since Tuesday morning, 11 of Eskom’s producing units with a total capacity of 5,084MW have failed.

“These were a unit each at the Camden, Duvha, Grootvlei, Hendrina, Kendal, and two units each at Kriel, Majuba and Matla power stations.

During the same time period, a unit from Camden, Duvha, Hendrina, Kriel, Matimba, and Matla power plants returned to service, totaling 2,540MW.

“Eskom will continue to manage the limited emergency generation reserves to supplement generation capacity,” the utility said.

Eskom stated that it will issue another update if there were any substantial modifications to its power grid.

“Eskom requests the public to reduce the usage of electricity and to exercise patience and tolerance during this difficult period,” the utility appealed.