- South Africa’s state owned energy utility, Eskom, reports that Stage 6 loadshedding (blackouts) will continue to be implemented until 05:00 on Tuesday.
- Thereafter, Stage 5 loadshedding will be implemented from 05:00 until 16:00 and Stage 6 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 until 05:00 daily.
- This pattern will be repeated until further notice.
Breakdowns are currently at 17 325MW of generating capacity while the generating capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 5 457MW. Over the past 24 hours a generation unit each at Camden, Koeberg and Medupi power stations were returned to service.
Mr Calib Cassim is the interim GCE of Eskom. Image credit: Eskom
In the same period, two generating units at Kriel Power Station were taken offline for repairs. The delays in returning a unit to service at Kendal, Kriel, Medupi and Tutuka power stations have contributed to the capacity constraints, however the team is working around the clock to ensure that these units are returned to service as soon as possible.
In early December 2022, Mineral Resources and Energy Minister, Gwede Mantashe said that load shedding was becoming worse than state capture because of how it directly affects citizens and takes a toll on the economy. “Eskom, by not attending to load shedding, is actively agitating for the overthrow of the state”, Mantashe said. Read more
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Author: Bryan Groenendaal
