Eskom says unit 2 of the Kusile Power Station tripped earlier this afternoon, taking 720MW of generating capacity with it. While this unit has since returned to service, it will slowly load up to full capacity during the night. This added loss of capacity regretfully requires Eskom to increase load-shedding to Stage 4 from 17:00 until 22:00 tonight. Eskom will continue to closely monitor the system, and adjust and communicate any changes as may be necessary.
“This morning a generating unit at Hendrina, Tutuka and Kriel power stations were returned to service while a unit each at Arnot Power Station was taken offline for repairs.” – says Eskom
Eskom appeals to all South Africans to help limit the impact of load-shedding by reducing the usage of electricity and to switch off all non-essential items.
Eskom would like to remind the public that load-shedding is implemented only as a last resort to protect the national grid. They urge all South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly, especially between 05:00 – 09:00 in the mornings and 16:00 – 22:00 in the evenings.