Stage four load shedding implemented

Eskom, the state-owned power utility, has announced that load shedding will begin at lunchtime today (Wednesday) and last until the early hours of Friday morning.

Load shedding will thereafter be reduced to Stage 2 till the next morning.

Trips and shutdowns at units at five power plants have cost the system approximately 15 000MW of power, and the power utility has been fighting to keep the lights on.

“Over the past 24 hours a unit each at Medupi, Kusile and Matla power stations tripped while a unit each at Lethabo and Arnot power stations were forced to shut down.  This constrained the power system further requiring extensive use of emergency reserves and therefore, hampering the recovery of these reserves.

“We remind customers that load shedding is implemented as a last resort to maintain the stability of the power system regardless of the stage of load shedding.  The implementation of Stage 4 load shedding is therefore, no cause for alarm as the power system remains to be effectively controlled,” Eskom said.

The entity added that some recovery is already taking place with units already back on or returning over the next two days.

“Some generating units have returned to service and we anticipate another two units to return to service during the day. In addition, Koeberg Unit 1 is expected to return to service today and begin ramping up to full output within 48 hours.” – SAnews.