Stage 6 load shedding currently underway, is expected to be eased only on Tuesday morning. Eskom announced on today that it will move to a new rotational schedule between stages 6 and 5 until further notice.
The utility’s Crisis Communication Manager Menzi Mngomezulu said the grid remained under severe strain, but some units have returned to service including Koeberg Unit 1 which was synchronized to the grid on Sunday.
“Stage 6 load shedding will continue to be implemented until 05h00 on Tuesday, followed by stage 5 load shedding until 16h00. Stage 6 load shedding will return for the evening between 16h00 and 05h00 again. This pattern will be repeated until further notice. Mngomezulu said.
Mngomezulu further said the delays in returning a unit at Kriel, Medupi, and Tutuka power stations have contributed to the capacity constraints.
“Our team is working around the clock to ensure that these units are returned to service as soon as possible. We thank those South Africans who heeded the call to use electricity sparingly and efficiently in helping to alleviate the pressure on the power system, as this is assisting in avoiding higher stages of load shedding.” Mngomezulu said.
New Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, however, said he was not aware of the implementation of Stage 8 of the rolling blackouts.
Ramokgopa was responding to journalist’s questions in Polokwane, Limpopo where the African National Congress (ANC) held its National Working Committee meeting on Monday following reports that Eskom plunged the country into Stage 8 without informing the nation.