South Africa Struggles with Stage 6 Power Outages -

During the second round of load shedding in a month, Eskom escalated power interruptions to stage 6 in the early hours of Sunday (23 February), after implementing stage 3 the previous afternoon.

This course of action followed several power station trips, and the state utility stressed that stage 6 was “critical” for “replenishing emergency reserves and preparing for the upcoming week.”

Read: Stage 3 load shedding till Sunday [Jan 2024]

“Eskom regrets to announce that stage 6 load shedding commenced at 1:30 am due to multiple unit trips at Camden Power Station and will continue until further notice,” the utility stated in an emergency WhatsApp message just before 2 am.

“This measure was implemented following stage 3 initiation, which was caused by several unit trips at Majuba Power Station alongside a unit trip at Medupi, resulting in a generation capacity loss of 3,864 MW, in addition to 7,506 MW lost to planned maintenance,” Eskom explained.

“Moreover, stage 6 load shedding was necessary to restore emergency reserves and prepare for the week ahead,” it further stated.

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Source: Screenshot from the ESP/EskomSePush app; however, this may vary by area/municipality. For example, Eskom’s direct customers might experience load limiting instead.

This represents the most severe power cut strategy adopted by Eskom since November 2023. Nonetheless, the utility had to implement stage 3 load shedding on 31 January of this year (spilling into the weekend) for the first time in 10 months due to low reserves.

Eskom has announced that a media briefing will take place on Sunday at 11 am to offer additional details and updates regarding the power system. Electricity Minister Kgosientso Ramokgopa will also be part of the briefing.

While Eskom and government representatives may present stage 6 load shedding as a temporary solution, it serves as a concerning signal as the South African winter approaches.

Read/listen:
Nersa approves restructuring of Eskom tariffs
Nersa reduces Eskom’s tariff hike – but consumers may face additional costs via taxes
Eskom receives approval for a 12.7% tariff increase – significantly lower than requested
What will the implementation of Eskom’s load limiting plan look like?
As sizable as a chocolate bar but ‘it can end load shedding’

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