Eskom implemented stage 6 until further notice after eight generating units broke down on Sunday. On Monday morning, more than half (24 809 MW) of Eskom’s installed capacity of 48 000 MW was out of service.
The power utility confirmed that this is a new record and has warned of further stages of loadshedding.
Also read: Loadshedding will be increased to stage 6 tonight
South Africa is now closer than ever to stage 8 loadshedding, which would mean no electricity for 12 to 14 hours per day.
Outages scheduled for maintenance (3 566 MW) account for only 14% of the generation capacity that is currently offline.
The remaining capacity of 21,243 MW is due to unplanned outages at the Arnot, Hendrina, Lethabo, Majuba and Camden power plants.
The utility said that heavy rains have also hampered coal delivery from the New Vaal Mine to the Lethabo Power Station.
Lethabo’s three operational units face shutdown if coal supply constraints are not resolved, resulting in the loss of additional generating capacity.
Due to the breakdowns of eight generation units on Sunday afternoon, Stage 6 loadshedding will be implemented continuously until further notice. pic.twitter.com/57F78z93IO
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) February 19, 2023
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Picture: Unsplash