Due to higher than anticipated demand, Stage 5 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 today until midnight on Friday, Eskom said in a statement.

Thereafter, Stage 4 loadshedding will be implemented until 05:00 on Sunday. Breakdowns have reduced to 16 302MW of generating capacity while the generating capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 3 616MW, it added.

Over the past 24 hours, a generating unit each at Arnot, Duvha and two generating units at Matla power stations were returned to service. But at the same time, a generating unit each at Grootvlei, Kendal, Kriel and two generating units at Camden power stations were taken offline for repairs.

"The delay in returning to service a generating unit at Kendal and two generating units at Tutuka power stations is contributing to the current capacity constraints," Eskom said.