Eskom warns as load shedding looms this week

The power utility announced on Wednesday, as it continues to struggle to meet the country’s demand for electricity.

Eskom said that the power system is severely constrained as the return of five generation units is delayed while another two tripped Wednesday, 12 August 2020.

In a statement, Eskom said the power system is severely constrained this afternoon as the return to service of five generation units has been delayed while a further two have either been shut down or tripped.

“We urge the people of South Africa to reduce electricity consumption to help us power the country through the evening peak. The return to service of two-generation units at the Tutuka power station has been delayed, as well as a unit each at Duvha, Matimba and Kusile power stations”.

The power utility further explained that an additional unit at Tutuka tripped this afternoon while Kusile’s Unit 1 has been shut down, adding that their team is working to return these units to service.

“These breakdowns have added to the approximately 5 500MW of capacity out of planned maintenance while unplanned maintenance has risen to almost 11 000MW. The constrained system may persist for the rest of the week”.