Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned electricity supplier, has announced that Stage 6 loadshedding will continue until further notice due to a shortage of generation capacity. The power supplier has urged South Africans to use electricity sparingly and efficiently to alleviate the pressure on the power system.
According to Eskom’s media statement released on Sunday, 16 April 2023, breakdowns are currently at 17,481MW of generating capacity, while the generating capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 5,657MW. The delays in returning a unit to service at Kendal, Kriel, Medupi, and Tutuka power stations have contributed to the capacity constraints.
Over the past 24 hours, a generation unit each at Duvha and Medupi power stations were returned to service. However, two generating units at Kriel and one unit at Koeberg power stations were taken offline for repairs. Eskom has assured the public that their team is working around the clock to ensure that the units are returned to service as soon as possible. The power supplier will publish a further update as soon as any significant changes occur.
South Africans have been urged to continue using electricity sparingly and efficiently to avoid higher stages of loadshedding. Eskom has thanked all South Africans who have been using electricity responsibly, as it has helped to alleviate the pressure on the power system. The extended Stage 6 loadshedding is expected to have a significant impact on businesses and households across the country.
The power supplier has urged South Africans to prepare for the extended loadshedding and to have alternative sources of power available.
The power shortage in South Africa has been a long-standing issue, and Eskom has been struggling to keep up with the demand for electricity. The power supplier has been implementing loadshedding to prevent a total blackout of the power system. The extended Stage 6 loadshedding is a reminder of the urgent need for South Africa to invest in alternative sources of energy to reduce its reliance on coal-fired power stations.
