Power utility Eskom has announced that load-shedding will move to Stage 4 from 14:00 on Friday to 05:00 on Saturday.

"Stage 4 load-shedding is necessary to stop the use of open-cycle gas turbines (OCGT) generators in order to preserve the remaining fuel at these power stations," it said, noting that fuel at the OCGT stations were critically low.

"It is anticipated that some generating units will return to service later today and overnight allowing a reduction to Stage 2 load-shedding for the remainder of the weekend.

"Stage 2 load-shedding is necessary to replenish emergency generation reserves particularly at the pump storage schemes for the week ahead," the utility added.

Total breakdowns currently amount to 17 437 MW, while planned maintenance is 4 361 MW of capacity.