Loadshedding will regretfully be implemented from 16:00 this afternoon until 05:00 on Wednesday, 20 April, due to additional generation unit losses and delayed return to service of generators

Sunday, 17 April 2022: Eskom would like to apologise for the implementation of Stage 2 loadshedding from 16:00 this afternoon. Loadshedding will, regretfully, continue until 05:00 on Wednesday, 20 April, depending on the level of breakdowns. Loadshedding is implemented only as a last resort to protect the national grid.

The loss of four additional generation units at Matla, Tutuka, Duvha and Arnot power stations over the past 24 hours, exacerbated by the delay in units returning to service at Camden, Matla, Grootvlei and Tutuka power stations, has unfortunately necessitated the implementation of loadshedding. The power system continues to be fragile and Eskom is forced to implement loadshedding to manage and replenish emergency generation reserves, on which it has been relying to supply electricity this week.

Since Friday afternoon, a generation unit each at Camden, Komati and Arnot power stations returned to service.

We currently have 5 474MW on planned maintenance, while another 17 018MW of capacity is unavailable due to unplanned breakdowns.

The power system remains unpredictable, and Eskom would like to inform the public that any further deterioration in generation capacity may require higher stages of loadshedding. We therefore request the public to continue using electricity sparingly, as we strive to return units to service.

We will communicate should there be any significant changes to the supply situation.

ENDS