The loss of three units today has forced Eskom to increase loadshedding to Stage 4 from 13:00 until 22:00 tonight. Stage 4 loadshedding will again be implemented at 08:00 – 22:00 on Sunday

Saturday, 21 May 2022: The loss of two Hendrina and one Lethabo Power Station units since this morning, together with demand currently 1 200MW higher than anticipated, have forced Eskom to increase loadshedding to Stage 4 from 13:00 this afternoon until 22:00 tonight. Stage 4 loadshedding will again be implemented from 08:00 until 22:00 on Sunday.

A Matimba Power Station generating unit was returned to service last night.  

At the current burn rate, diesel supplies would be depleted ahead of new stock arriving on Monday. This would result in higher stages of loadshedding. The ship will be offloading through Tuesday. Eskom must therefore preserve the current diesel stocks.

Eskom will continue to closely monitor the system, adjust and communicate any changes as may be necessary.

We currently have 3 805MW on planned maintenance, while another 16 050MW 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