Due to a further loss of generating capacity, loadshedding will be increased to Stage 4 from 17:00 – 22:00 tonight

Monday, 16 May 2022: 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 loadshedding to Stage 4 from 17:00 until 22:00 tonight. Eskom will continue to closely monitor the system, 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.

We currently have 1 904MW on planned maintenance, while another 17 255MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.

Eskom appeals to all South Africans to help limit the impact of loadshedding by reducing the usage of electricity and to switch off all non-essential items.

Eskom would like to remind the public that loadshedding is implemented only as a last resort to protect the national grid. We therefore 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.

ENDS