STATEMENT FROM ESKOM:
Breakdowns of a generating unit each at Kriel, Majuba and Tutuka power stations over the past 24 hours have necessitated the continuation of loadshedding at Stage 4 until Sunday at 05:00. Thereafter loadshedding will be implemented at Stage 3 until 05:00 on Monday. On Sunday Eskom will provide the outlook of the loadshedding stages for the week ahead as the teams are working around the clock to return units to service.
Eskom apologises for the continued and unfortunate loadshedding, which is implemented as a last resort in view of the shortage of generation capacity and the need to attend to breakdowns and carry out planned maintenance to return units to service.
While some generation units are anticipated to return to service during next week, it is necessary to extend the loadshedding to replenish the emergency generation reserves, which have been depleted by extensive utilisation to limit the amount of loadshedding over the past two weeks.
We currently have 7 210MW on planned maintenance, while another 15 319MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.
Eskom will promptly communicate any further changes.
