Eskom has announced that it will implement stage 2 load shedding with immediate effect on Monday.
“Unit 5 of Medupi Power Station has just tripped, taking some 700MW capacity with. Regretfully, Stage 2 loadshedding has been implemented immediately. A full statement will be published in due course,” the power utility said.
This after requesting the public to reduce electricity usage on Monday afternoon after due to the power generating system being severely constrained.
Four generation units suffered breakdowns, while the return to service of two other units was delayed.
“This together with the inclement weather, which has increased the demand for electricity, has placed the power system under pressure. Eskom is working hard to return as many of these generation units to service as possible,” said spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha.
A generating unit each at Matla and Kriel power stations as well as two generating units at Camden Power Station also experienced breakdowns on Monday.
“Furthermore, a generating unit each at Tutuka and Matla power stations have been delayed from returning to service, contributing to the current shortage of capacity.”
On Monday afternoon, Eskom had 4 984MW on planned maintenance, while another 15 514MW of capacity was unavailable due to unplanned breakdowns.
“We are presently relying on the adequate levels of emergency reserves to meet the country demand which are being carefully monitored. This constrained supply situation may persist throughout the week,” said Mantshantsha.