Pixabay
Embattled power utility Eskom said Stage 6 load shedding would continue to be implemented throughout the weekend to enable it to replenish emergency reserves used up earlier in the week.
Interim spokesperson, Daphne Mokoena, said that they are hoping to set a “possible path for the reduction in stages of load shedding in the coming week.”
“The increase in the demand for electricity due to the cold weather, particularly on Monday and Tuesday, was anticipated, however, this demand exceeded what was forecasted.”
Mokoena said while Eskom is obliged to carry generation reserves to cater for unforeseen events, these reserves were used on Monday and Tuesday to buffer the effects of the cold weather.
“Unfortunately, due to the failure of additional generation units since Sunday, the reserves have been depleted and can no longer buffer the lingering effects of the cold weather and make up for the lost generation capacity.”
Mokoena said Eskom is appealing to the public to reduce consumption.
"Eskom teams are working tirelessly to return these generating units to service. It is anticipated that eight generating units will be returned to service in the next few days," she said.
