Eskom pushes load shedding back to stage 6

Due to the failure of additional generating units and the delay of several units to return to service, Stage 6 load shedding will be implemented at 16:00 this afternoon until further notice, says Eskom.

The power utility said that this is expected to persist throughout the week.

Eskom added that it would publish a further update as soon as any significant changes occur.

Breakdowns are currently at 19 333MW of generating capacity while the generating capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 4 524MW.

“Since yesterday morning, a generating unit each at Duvha, Lethabo and Medupi power stations have returned to service.”

“Over the past 24 hours, a generation unit each at Majuba, Medupi and Tutuka power stations were taken out of service due to breakdowns,” said the company.

Furthermore, the delay in returning units to service at Arnot, Camden, Hendrina, Majuba, Matla and Tutuka power stations continues to add to the current capacity constraints.

Eskom said that its team is working around the clock to ensure that generating units are returned to service as soon as possible.

To mitigate further power outages and reduce demand, the company has urged consumers to switch off geysers from 17:00- 21:00.

Schedules 

For people living in the major metros, load shedding schedules are available here:

• City of Johannesburg
• City of Ekurhuleni 
• City of Tshwane 
• City of Cape Town (PDF)
• Nelson Mandela Bay
• eThekwini
• Manguang
• Buffalo City

For access to other load shedding schedules, Eskom has made them available on loadshedding.eskom.co.za.

Smartphone users can also download the app EskomSePush to receive push notifications when load shedding is implemented, as well as the times the area you are in will be off.

Read: Another Eskom headache for taxpayers in South Africa: report

Eskom pushes load shedding back to stage 6