Stage 2 loadshedding returns on Wednesday, 10 March 2021

Stage 2 loadshedding returns for the rest of the week, Eskom announced.

By / / News
stage 4 loadshedding

After failing to deal with the mounting pressure exerted on the power grid, Eskom has resorted to implementing stage 2 loadshedding from Wednesday.

Stage 2 loadshedding confirmed for Wednesday, 10 March 2021

In a statement, the power utility indicated that it was left with no other choice but to cut back on energy supply to replenish reserves.

“Regrettably, stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented at 17:00 this afternoon until 23:00 Friday night as the generation capacity is severely constrained. There is a probability that loadshedding may be implemented at short notice should any further breakdowns occur before then,” Eskom warned.

The power utility explained that continued poor performance at Kusile, Duvha and Tutuka power stations “have caused the need to implement this loadshedding.”

This was exacerbated by the delayed return of a number of other generation units that broke down last week.

“We currently have 6 212mw on planned maintenance, while another 11 217mw of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns and delays. This has led to our inability to supply the increasing demand,” the statement continued.

Threat of a powerless weekend looms

The severity of the situation at Megawatt Park can be easily surmised in the statement the power utility released on Wednesday. Currently, there are no indications that Eskom has found a solution to its mounting issues with power generation.

Moreover, it is highly likely that its generation problems may prolong loadshedding for much longer than the stated period.

“There is a high probability that loadshedding may continue to the implemented throughout the weekend, depending on plants returning to service from planned maintenance, as well as the levels of the emergency generation reserves,” Eskom added.

This news, of course, was not received well by the public. Here are some of the reactions we picked from social media.