In order to safeguard the power system, regrettably loadshedding will be increased to Stage 2 from 21:00 tonight

Wednesday, 17 March 2021: Eskom regrets to inform the public that due to further loss of generation capacity loadshedding will increase to Stage 2 from 21:00 tonight and will continue until 05:00 on Saturday. This escalation in the stage of loadshedding is required to safeguard the power system after a further loss of generating capacity at the Medupi, Arnot, Duvha and Kendal power stations.

In addition to Eskom’s inability to supply the full demand, we have seen an increase in demand, which has put a further strain on the emergency generation reserves today. 

The contributing factors for the losses are boiler tube leaks and units tripping, as well as the delay in the return to service of a single unit at the Kendal power station. Higher than anticipated demand today has also contributed to the extensive use of emergency generation resources. Eskom is working hard to return the units back to service as soon as possible.

We currently have 6 052MW on planned maintenance, while another 12 690MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns and delays. This has led to our inability to supply the full demand.

Eskom would like to apologise for the inconvenience and uncertainty caused and requests the public to continue using electricity sparingly. The system remains vulnerable and unpredictable.

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

ENDS