While South Africans may be excited to kick back and relax this weekend, it seems Eskom may be disrupting those plans.
According to the power utility, Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented from 2pm on Friday until 5am on Monday morning.
“Thereafter Stage 2 laodshedding will be implemented throughout the week ahead,” it said.
The added stage of loadhsedding is due to a loss of an additional five generating units this morning.
“The additional loadshedding tonight is required to manage and recover the emergency generation reserves which have been utilised extensively over the past five days.”
The power utility has urged South Africans to use electricity sparingly.
Three generating units at Tutuka Power Station and two at Kusile Power Stations tripped this morning which has resulted in the escalation in the stage of loadshedding.
“The delay in the return to service of Koeberg Unit 2 has exacerbated the capacity shortages,” said Eskom via a statement.
Planned maintenance will be conducted over the weekend at Hydro de Cahora Bassa in Mozambique, Lethabo, Majuba, Matimba and Camden power stations in preparation for the week ahead.
Eskom further stated it would be holding a media briefing on Monday to update the public on the state of the power system.
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