By Kaya 959 Reporter
Eskom has implemented Stage 3 loadshedding. The power utility said Stage 3 will be implemented until 5am on Friday. Stage 2 loadshedding will then resume until 5am on Saturday.
“It is necessary to continue with loadshedding in order to fully replenish the emergency generation reserves,” Eskom said.
It added that total breakdowns currently amount to 12 709MW while planned maintenance is 6 164MW of capacity.
“Loadshedding is implemented as a last resort to maintain the stability of the power system regardless of the stage of loadshedding,” said Eskom.
ALSO READ: Loadshedding: Ramaphosa keeping tabs on Eskom
Earlier in the week, Eskom announced the country’s move to Stage 4 loadshedding. At the time, a spokesperson said the power giant was forced to upgrade loadshedding due the rationing of remaining emergency reserves.
Eskom said a major incident in Zambia affected the entire Southern African Power Pool.
During this incident, the imported power from Cahora Bassa reduced by 1 000MW while a Tutuka generator also tripped.
Furthermore, a unit at Tutuka power station was forced to shut down. There were also further delays in returning a unit each at Lethabo and Majuba power stations.
A unit each at Medupi and Matla power stations also tripped and the high usage of OCGTs over the past two weeks has resulted in limited diesel stock being available.
Eskom said it is expecting its bulk diesel supply for the OCGT power stations by mid-November.
Calls for Eskom CEO to resign
Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter trended on Twitter with people calling for his resignation over the country’s rolling blackouts.
During a media briefing on Tuesday, he said Eskom was dealing with its own challenges. He further distanced himself from party factions within the ANC after Eskom accused political parties and other entities of sabotaging their operations.
Eskom’s former CEO Brian Molefe has meanwhile called for Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan and President Cyril Ramaphosa to take responsibility for the state-owned enterprise’s issues.
Speaking exclusively to IOL, he called for a parliamentary inquiry into Ramaphosa’s and Gordhan’s handling of Eskom.



