The breakdowns of two generating units at the Grootvlei power plant, as well as one unit each at the Arnot, Duvha, Kendal, Kriel, and Tutuka power plants, were cited as the cause.
In addition, the restoration to service of two units at Arnot and one unit each at Camden, Kendal, and Kriel power stations has been postponed.
Energy experts responded to the statement by advising their countrymen in South Africa to be prepared for higher phases to be imposed at any time.
But what does a transition to a higher stage of load shedding mean?
According to energy analyst, Lungile Mashele, this implies South Africa should brace for being without electricity for between 12 to 14 hours every day.
Comparing the country’s electricity problem to Zimbabwe’s, she claimed that it was evidence of how bad things have gotten throughout SA, not just at Eskom.
She told eNCA that at Stage 6, the nation had daily power outages of up to 10 to 12 hours.
“We can estimate that at Stage 8 we will not have electricity for about 12 to 14 hours. I hate making this comparison, but if you look at what is occurring in Zimbabwe today, they have no electricity for around 19 hours, although theirs is not on a rotational basis,” she stated.
In an interview with SABC, Sampson Mamphweli stated Eskom’s power stations broke down at any time and if there were further issues, greater stages of load shedding would take place.
“We can anticipate that by Stage 8 we will not have electricity for about 12 to 14 hours. I hate drawing this comparison, but if you look at what is occurring in Zimbabwe today, they have no energy for around 19 hours, albeit theirs is not on a rotational basis,” she remarked.
In an interview with SABC, Sampson Mamphweli stated Eskom’s power stations broke down at any time and if there were further challenges, bigger phases of load shedding would take place.
