South Africans are bracing themselves for another wave of increased load shedding as Eskom prepares to introduce Stage 6 power cuts from 16:00 on Sunday, 14 May 2023. The power utility said the disruptions caused by the shortage of electricity supply means “Stage 4 load-shedding from 05:00 until 16:00, and Stage 6 load-shedding from 16:00 to 05:00 will be repeated daily until further notice.” Over 18,000 MW of Eskom’s generating capacity is off-line due to technical issues and routine maintenance, which further adds to the current constraints.
Capacity Constraints in South Africa
Three units at Kriel power station and one at Matla power station broke down, while Arnot, Camden, and Hendrina, as well as Tutuka power stations continue to experience delays in returning their units to service. Experts say this has left Eskom in a precarious situation, and the utility has called on South Africans to reduce their electricity usage. Eskom has assured the public that the team is working around the clock to fix the problems and ensure that generating units are restored as soon as possible.
Load-Shedding Schedule
The power utility has urged consumers to keep checking the new load-shedding schedule frequently, as they continue to work on generating capacity necessary for the country’s economic growth. Eskom promised to publish any significant changes to the load-shedding schedule while expressing regret about the inconvenience and disruption to its customers.
Conclusion
South Africans are still grappling with electricity supply constraints, with Stage 6 of load shedding enforced until further notice. It is essential to reduce the excess energy load to prevent the complete collapse of the national grid. While Eskom aims to repair and maintain power plants, South Africans need to conserve energy and look for alternative power sources to mitigate the impact of load shedding.