Stage 4 loadshedding has been implemented due to further breakdowns amounting to 17 056MW of generation capacity, low pumped storage dam levels and a lack of diesel.
Eskom increased the loadshedding after initially announcing that stage 3 would be in place until further notice.
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The announcement was made by Eskom spokesperson, Sikonathi Mantshantsha this morning, citing a number of issues going into the weekend.
“Stage 4 electricity cuts were implemented at 05:26 this morning until further notice,” he said. “Breakdowns amounting to 17 056MW of generation capacity, low pumped storage dam levels and lack of diesel are the reasons for the increase in load shedding.”
During a briefing on the power company’s performance and the state of rolling blackouts, Eskom had told South Africans to get ready for longer periods of loadshedding.
South Africans had to endure 141 days of loadshedding (159 as of 15 November) from April to October.
Eskom Group Chief Operating Officer, Jan Oberholzer, acknowledged that the power utility’s capacity was in a terrible state, having spent R11.2 billion on open-cycle gas turbines as of the end of last month.
He explained that there was “no money to burn diesel anymore” and Eskom would be forced to continue implementing loadshedding.
He also said that Eskom had used more diesel than expected and was now trying to preserve resources.
Oberholzer further added that outstanding municipal debt remained a challenge, with local governments owing Eskom an “astronomical figure” of R52 billion.
“With what we have available and how the system performs, we’ll see how to move forward,” he added.
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Picture: Cape{town}Etc/ Murray Swart