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Due to the necessary increase in generation planned maintenance, from an average of 3 000MW in June to an average of 6 000MW in September, coupled with the recent multiple generation unit failures, Stage 5 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 today until 05:00 on Monday.  This will be followed by Stage 4 loadshedding from 05:00 until 16:00 on Monday.  This pattern will be repeated daily until further notice. The increase in the stages of loadshedding is necessary to recover emergency generation reserves.  Eskom will publish another update should any significant changes occur. 

Breakdowns are currently at 16 572MW of generating capacity while the capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 6 287MW. 

Over the weekend a generating unit at Duvha, Hendrina, Tutuka and two generating units at Kendal power stations were taken offline for repairs.  In the same period a generating unit at Arnot, Camden and Grootvlei power stations were returned to service.  

The delay in returning to service a generating unit at Kendal and Tutuka power stations is also contributing to the current capacity constraints.

Eskom teams are working tirelessly to return these generating units to service.  

Eskom’s load forecast for the evening peak demand is 26 608MW and we appeal to the members of the public to continue reducing demand by switching off non-essential appliances.  We would like to thank those who do heed the call to use electricity sparingly and efficiently, including switching off geysers and pool pumps from 17:00 to 21:00, as this lowers demand and helps in alleviating the pressure on the power system and contributes to lower stages of loadshedding. 

Issued by Eskom