From Bad to Worse We back at Stage 6 Blackouts
If load-shedding is not bad enough as it is we have crime going rampant and rain causing havoc everywhere and the cherry on the cake is Stage 6 load-shedding.
Load-shedding will be implemented at Stages 6 until further Notice
Eskom announced on Monday it would be implementing Stage 6 load shedding until further notice.
Previously Stage 4 and Stage 6 load shedding was implemented at the weekend.
However, Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshanstha said Stage 6 is being implemented due to the breakdown of eight generation units on Sunday afternoon.
“Stage 6 load shedding will be implemented continuously until further notice. Since Sunday afternoon a generating unit each at Arnot, Hendrina, Lethabo, and Majuba, as well as two units at Camden Power Station have suffered breakdowns and taken offline for repairs,” he said.
He said heavy rains were the cause of coal constraints at the Lethabo power station.
“Further, two generating units at the Lethabo Power Station were shut down due to coal constraints. The New Vaal Mine that is supplying the station has been unable to deliver the expected amount of coal during the past week because of the heavy rains.
“The three running units are operating at minimum capacity and are at risk of a shutdown should the coal supply constraints not be resolved. Given the high number of breakdowns, there is a possibility of further changes in the load-shedding stages at short notice,” Mantshanstha said.
Breakdowns currently amount to 21 243MW of generating capacity while 3 566W of generating capacity is out of service for planned maintenance.
A further update will be published as soon as any significant changes occur.
Important information:
Every stage includes the stages before them, i.e. stage 4 includes stages 1, 2,3, and 4.
Stage 1 requires 1000MW,
Stage 2 requires 2000MW,
Stage 3 requires 3000MW,
Stage 4 calls for 4000MW,
Stage 5 calls for 5000MW,
Stage 6 calls for 6000MW,
Stage 7 calls for 7000MW,
Stage 8 calls for 8000MW to load shed nationally at a given period rotationally. Load Shedding is conducted rotationally as a last resort to protect the power system.
Eskom continues to appeal to residents and businesses to use electricity sparingly during this period. Please switch off geysers as well as all non-essential lighting and electrical appliances to assist in reducing demand.
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