More load-shedding could be expected this week, according to a recent statement from Eskom.
This comes after the country entered stage 2 on Tuesday and Wednesday.
As reported by TimesLIVE (‘Two nights and a day [at least] of stage 2 load-shedding loom as cold bites’, August 18), the power utility has blamed broken infrastructure for the lack of electricity. “[On Monday] six generators were returned to service at Medupi, Tutuka, Kendal, Majuba and Grootvlei power stations.
“The breakdown of four units overnight and this morning [August 18] at Medupi, Duvha, Majuba and Lethabo power stations, as well as a delay in the expected return to service of a unit at Medupi, has resulted in the power system being constrained,” Eskom said.
The utility admitted that its ageing infrastructure was unreliable.
Eskom said it was anticipating more problems this week, made worse by the large cold front that had hit the country.
Speaking to Radio 702 in July, Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter said SA was experiencing the coldest winter recorded in the country in 10 years.
This had put increased strain on demand, he said.
