Is phase 6 load shedding around the corner? Phase 5 is already here. Yes, South Africans can prepare for all the frustrations caused by higher phases of load shedding.
Due to the increase in planned maintenance, from an average of 3,000 MW in June to an average of 6,000 MW in September, together with generating units that have recently failed, phase 5 load shedding will be from Sunday at 4:00 PM to Monday at 5:00 AM be implemented.
Phase 4 load shedding will then be in effect from 05:00 to 16:00 on Monday. This pattern will repeat daily until further notice.
According to the power supplier, the increase in load shedding phases is necessary to supplement emergency generation reserves.
A total of 16,572 MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns, while the generation capacity taken out of service for planned maintenance work stands at 6,287 MW.
One generating unit each at Duvha, Hendrina and Tutuka and two generating units at Kendal are currently out of action for repairs. A delay in the return of a generating unit each at Arnot, Camden and Grootvlei does not help the power supplier’s cause either.
“Eskom teams are working tirelessly to get these generating units back into service.”
According to the power supplier, the load forecast for the evening peak demand stands at 26,608 MW and he appeals to citizens to use power sparingly.
“We would like to thank those who do heed the call to use electricity sparingly and efficiently, including turning off geysers and pool pumps from 5pm to 9pm, as this lowers demand and can lead to lower phases of load shedding .”
