Eskom May Implement Load Shedding at Short Notice – System Severely Constrained

Eskom has warned that it may implement load shedding at short notice as the system is severely constrained.

The power utility said since the weekend, there have been numerous generating unit breakdowns at various power stations.

Spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha said Eskom had to utilise significant amounts of emergency generation reserves, which under the current constrained system, is difficult to replenish.

“While some of these units have since returned to service, four other generating units that failed are still offline. A unit each at Matimba and Hendrina suffered a boiler tube leak, while a unit each at Majuba and Kendal tripped. Delays in returning units at Kusile, Tutuka, Duvha and Grootvlei have also contributed to the supply constraints.”

Eskom has appealed to all South Africans to avoid the implementation of load shedding by reducing the usage of electricity and to switch off non-essential items.