This is why Eskom has implemented Stage 6 load shedding throughout the day, every day 'until further notice'

Eskom says it has been forced to initiate Stage 6 load shedding due to the failure of 11 units since Tuesday morning.

Eskom said in a statement on Wednesday that the breakdowns total over 5 084MW of power, severely lowering available capacity and forcing a rise in load shedding phases.

“Stage 6 load shedding will be implemented from 4pm on Wednesday continuously until further notice. Due to the severe capacity constraints, Eskom will continue to manage the limited emergency generation reserves to supplement generation capacity. Eskom will publish a further update as soon as there are any significant changes,” the utility said.

Eskom stated that the units that failed were from Camden, Duvha, Grootvlei, Hendrina, and Kendal, as well as two units from Kriel, Majuba, and Matla power plants.

“A unit each at Camden, Duvha, Hendrina, Kriel, Matimba and Matla power stations have returned to service, representing 2 540MW of capacity. Meanwhile, planned maintenance is currently 5 739MW while breakdowns amount to 18 041MW of capacity,” Eskom said.

Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that Eskom would be overseen by the Department of Energy.

At a press conference, Ramaphosa stated that this was one of the resolutions voted at the ANC’s national conference just days earlier.

He stated that the resolution would be carried out, and that the administration will decide how and when.