Koeberg Nuclear Power Station units operated at reduced power due to a line fault from the Pinotage transmission substation – Eskom assures safe and normal operation of Koeberg Power Station with no impact to grid stability

Tuesday, 20 January 2026: Eskom reports that at 16:53 today, both units at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station were safely reduced from full power to 100MW each following a fault on the 132kV transmission lines supplied from the Pinotage transmission substation near Stellenbosch.

Eskom confirms that this was an expected response under such circumstances, designed to protect the integrity of the power station and the national grid.

Eskom further confirms that both nuclear reactors were not affected by this incident. The National Nuclear Regulator has been duly informed of the incident.

Importantly, there is no risk of loadshedding due to adequate national generation reserves and the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) has given approval for Koeberg Nuclear Power Station to begin increasing the power output of both units.

Eskom assures the public and stakeholders that Koeberg Nuclear Power Station continues to operate safely and securely, and that all necessary regulatory and operational protocols are being followed.

ENDS