By: Natasha Archary
More breakdowns have been blamed for Eskom implementing Stage 6 loadshedding with an immediate and indefinite effect.
On Monday, 20 February, South Africans woke to the news that the rolling blackouts are going to worsen after a further 8 generation units had broken down overnight.
Eskom says that the Arnot, Hendrina, Lethabo, and Majuba, as well as two units at Camden had to be taken offline for repairs.
A further two units at the Lethabo Power Station were shut down due to coal constraints as the New Vaal Mine that is supplying the station has been unable to deliver the expected amount of coal during the past week because of the heavy rains.
“The three running units are operating at minimum capacity and are at risk off shutdown should the coal supply constraints not be resolved.”
Due to the number of breakdowns, there is a possibility that further changes on the stages of loadshedding may be implemented at short notice.
Eskom says a further update will be published if there are any significant changes.
On 09 February, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared the loadshedding crisis a National State of Disaster at his State Of the Nation Address.
Two weeks later, and South Africans are questioning when the decision will come into effect so the rolling blackouts can seize and lessen the impact on farmers, small business and the average South African household.
In addition, Ramaphosa will be appointing a Minister of Electricity in the Presidency, who will oversee all aspects of the electricity crisis response, including the work of the National Energy Crisis Committee.
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