Loadshedding.com
Eskom, the national power provider, has announced an increase in load shedding to stage 5 on Friday evening due to a surge in power demand that exceeded expectations. It plans to continue stage 4 load shedding throughout the upcoming weekend.
Escalating to Stage 5
Friday, 21 July sees a shift to Stage 5 load shedding, beginning at 16h00 and extending until midnight, following which it will downgrade to stage 4 for the entirety of Saturday.
Depending on demand management, Eskom anticipates fluctuating between stage 2 and stage 4 load shedding on Sunday.
New Load Shedding Schedule
Friday, 21 July
- Stage 5: 16h00 to 00h00
Saturday, 22 July
- Stage 4: Whole day
Sunday, 23 July
- Stage 4: 00h00 to 05h00
- Stage 2: 05h00 to 16h00
- Stage 4: 16h00 to 00h00
Generating Capacity Updates
Generating capacity reduction due to breakdowns stands at 16,302MW while planned maintenance takes another 3,616MW out of service.
In the past 24 hours, a single generating unit at Arnot, Duvha, and two units at Matla power stations have been reinstated. Conversely, one unit each at Grootvlei, Kendal, Kriel, and two units at Camden power stations have been taken offline for repair works.
“The delay in returning to service a generating unit at Kendal and two generating units at Tutuka power stations is contributing to the current capacity constraints.”
Power Demand Escalation Due to Cold Front
Eskom cautioned earlier this week that load shedding was likely to escalate as demand increased and reserves depleted into the weekend. The escalation can be traced back to colder weather spreading across the nation amid another incoming cold front.
Load Shedding Reporter 
