Stage 3 load shedding returns during evening

Eskom has ramped up load shedding to Stage 3 from 4pm after five generating units were taken offline for repairs. 'The return to service of two generating units that were on planned maintenance was delayed due to an opportunity to perform preventative maintenance. These factors have contributed to the shortage of available capacity, necessitating the implementation of Stage 3 load shedding from 4pm [on Monday] until 5am on Tuesday. 'Thereafter, load shedding will be reduced to Stage 2 until 4pm on Tuesday. This pattern of Stage 2 load shedding from 5am until 4pm and Stage 3 load shedding from 4pm until 5am will be repeated daily until further notice. Eskom will closely monitor the power system and communicate any changes to load shedding, should it be required,' Eskom said. The power utility assured the public that power station 'general managers and their teams will continue to work diligently to ensure that the 1 600MW of generating capacity is returned to service by Wednesday as planned'. Eskom urged consumers to use electricity sparingly. 'We would like to appeal to members of the public to continue reducing demand by switching off non-essential appliances. 'We would also like to thank those who heed the call to use electricity sparingly and efficiently, including switching off geysers and pool pumps from 5pm to 9pm. This lowers demand and helps in alleviating the pressure on the power system, contributing to lower stages of load shedding,' the power utility said. Source: South African Government News Agency