Load shedding Stage 2 implemented on Friday 10 July, confirms Eskom

In a sad end to the week, Eskom said it will implement Stage 2 load shedding starting at 12:00 due to an increase in breakdowns. 

ESKOM TO IMPLEMENT STAGE 2 ON FRIDAY 10 JULY

Eskom has delivered some bad news at a time when the country definitely doesn’t need it. It said it has no other choice but to implement Stage 2 on Friday. 

“This will continue until 22:00. This load shedding has been caused by an increase in plant breakdowns exceeding 3 000MW of capacity. Eskom is working hard to return as many of these generation units to service,” it said in a statement on Friday. 

“The constrained supply system situation may persist throughout the weekend,” it said. 

Eskom urges the public to continue reducing electricity usage to help minimise the risk of power cuts.

“We also request the public to reduce electricity usage between 16:00 and 22:00 in order to assist us in limiting the incident of load shedding. With your help Eskom can again recover from this much quicker,” it added. 

FROM WARNING TO REALITY 

On Friday morning Eskom warned that load shedding may be implemented between 16:00 and 22:00 should the system be unable to recover 2 600 MW of capacity. 

“The possibility that Eskom may be forced to implement load shedding has increased as the power system is severely constrained. Five generation units were taken off the grid,” it said. 

“Should the need arise, load shedding could be implemented in order to protect the integrity of the system. If this is the case, there is a risk of load shedding between 16:00 and 22:00,” it added. 

The warning quickly became a confirmed reality. Eskom added that generation units at Arnot, Kendal, Tutuka and Majuba power stations had been removed from the grid. 

Additionally, delays in repairs to Duvha power station have added further pressure to the power grid.