In its latest power alert, Eskom announces that it will be implementing stages 3 and 4 over the weekend, with stage 3 kicking in from 4pm today.
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According to the power utility, the ramping up of loadshedding stages is ‘due to further setbacks that have resulted in the shutdown of six generating units, as well as the delay in returning three generating units to service’.
South Africa can expect stage 3 to run from 4pm today until 4pm on Saturday, 13 January, when stage 4 takes over until 5am on Sunday before dropping back down to stage 3 until 4pm. Thereafter, stage 4 returns.
This pattern is forecast to continue until Eskom shares a further update for the week ahead.
‘Eskom will closely monitor the power system and communicate any changes should it be required,’ said the power utility.
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As it stands, unplanned outages are currently at 15 561MW of generating capacity, while the capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 7 828MW.
Eskom added that its management and teams are working to ensure that 1 960MW of generating capacity is returned to service by Monday evening.
Eskom’s load forecast for the evening peak demand for Friday is 25 169MW.
Meanwhile, City of Cape Town customers can expect stage 3 to only come into effect at 10pm this evening and will continue until 4pm on Saturday. Thereafter, stage 4 will kick in until 5am on Sunday.
This pattern is set to repeat, with stage 3 running from 5am on Sunday until 4pm when stage 4 sets in until 5am on Monday.
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Picture: Parker Coffman / Unsplash
