Eskom warns stage 6 might not be enough — with over 24,400MW down

3 years ago 2

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Eskom will continue to implement stage 6 load-shedding until further notice due to severe generating capacity shortages.

In a statement on the afternoon of Thursday, 13 April 2022, the utility revealed that its total unavailable capacity stood at an astronomical 24,424MW.

“Breakdowns have increased to 18,617MW of generating capacity while the generating capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 5,807MW,” Eskom said.

At those levels, Eskom’s total unavailable generating capacity is about equal to its current generating capacity.

The 24,424MW is about 300MW short of the total amount of capacity it had available during the last evening peak period on Wednesday, 12 April 2023.

It is also just shy of the 24,566MW that was unavailable at one point in February 2023, when Eskom had technically implemented stage 8 load-shedding.

As a result, Eskom said that stage 6 would remain in force until further notice.

Higher load-shedding stages possible

However, the utility warned that the system remained constrained and that changes to stages might be required at short notice.

Consequently, it appealed to the public to reduce electricity usage by switching off heating and charging appliances between 17:00 and 21:00.

“Eskom will continue to adjust the stage of load-shedding depending on the level of breakdowns.”

The utility said it would publish a further update as soon as any significant changes occur.

In the latest changes in generating capacity, two units at the Camden Power Station were returned to service.

Over the past 24 hours two generation units were returned to service at Camden Power Station.

Each of the power station’s units contributes roughly 200MW of capacity at full load, which means they would add less than half the capacity needed to alleviate half a stage of load-shedding.

During the same period, generating units at Duvha, Kendal, Medupi and Tutuka Power Stations were taken offline for repairs.

In addition, delays in returning a unit to service at Kendal, Lethabo, Medupi and Tutuka power stations have exacerbated the capacity constraints.