Eskom Warns of Load Shedding at Short Notice Due to Power Constraints

Eskom has urged the public to reduce electricity as the power grid is severely constrained and it may implement load shedding at short notice. 

The power utility terminated load shedding last week.

Eskom’s Sikonathi Mantshantsha says while no load shedding is currently being implemented, it would like to request the public’s assistance in reducing the usage of electricity. 

“Five generation units at various power stations have failed throughout the day – three over the past two hours. Should there be any further loss of generation capacity, load shedding would be required to be implemented at very short notice.” 

Mantshantsha says a generating unit each at Kusile and Majuba were taken offline to repair boiler tube leaks, while a generating unit each at Kriel, Majuba and Matimba tripped.

“The return to service of a generating unit each at Kendal and Tutuka were delayed. Total breakdowns have increased to 16 822MW while planned maintenance is 4 888MW of capacity as we continue with the reliability maintenance.” 

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