Eskom requests the public to reduce the usage of electricity as the power system is severely constrained

Tuesday, 01 February 2022: While no loadshedding is currently being implemented, Eskom would like to request the public’s assistance in reducing the usage of electricity as the power system is severely constrained. Since the weekend, there have been numerous generating unit breakdowns at various power stations. This has required Eskom to utilise significant amounts of emergency generation reserves, which under the current constrained system, is difficult to replenish.

While some of these units have since returned to service, four other generating units that failed are still offline. A unit each at Matimba and Hendrina suffered a boiler tube leak, while a unit each at Majuba and Kendal tripped.

Delays in returning units at Kusile, Tutuka, Duvha and Grootvlei have also contributed to the supply constraints.

Total breakdowns amount to 14 134MW while planned maintenance is 5 028MW of capacity as we continue with the reliability maintenance.

Should there be any further loss of generation capacity, loadshedding would be required to be implemented at short notice.

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

We will communicate promptly should there be any significant changes to the power system.

ENDS