Eskom has announced it is implementing stage 3 load shedding.
According to the statement released, the implementation will kick off from 13:00 on Wednesday to 06:00 on Thursday morning.
However, the load shedding might likely continue into the rest of Thursday.
In the statement, the utility explained that it has lost generation and needs to replenish emergency generation reserves: “Eskom regrets to inform the public that Stage 3 load shedding will be implemented from 13:00 this afternoon until 06:00 tomorrow morning. This load shedding is necessary as the power generation system is still severely constrained due to high generation unit breakdowns during the past three days, as well as the need to replenish diminishing emergency generation reserves.”
The power utility admitted that the power system remains ‘unpredictable’, warning that there is a high possibility that the outages will continue: “The outlook for the power system is unpredictable and there is a high probability of load shedding continuing on Thursday. Eskom will continue to assess and communicate promptly as the situation changes.”
“As previously communicated, Eskom continues to implement reliability maintenance during this period, and as such, the system will continue to be constrained, with the possibility of load shedding remaining elevated.”
In conclusion, the power utility asks the public to make use of electricity moderately until it regains control of the power grid: “Eskom requests the public to continue using electricity sparingly as the system remains vulnerable and unpredictable, and we will communicate timeously, should there be any significant changes to the power system.”
See tweet below:
Stage 3 loadshedding will be implemented from 13:00 this afternoon until 06:00 in the morning
following the loss of generation units and to replenish emergency generation reserves@News24 @SABCNews @NewzroomAfrika @eNCA @IOL @ewnupdates @SundayTimesZA @SowetanLIVE pic.twitter.com/WoOMqEjvXA— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) February 10, 2021
