Load shedding could be set for an unwelcome return next week, according to the latest update issued out by Eskom.
The dreaded rolling blackouts made their way back to South African households in the past week, and were suspended over the weekend.
SKOM ISSUES OUT LOAD SHEDDING WARNING
However, this could prove to be only a brief respite with Eskom warning that its grid is set to be severely constrained in the coming week.
According to the company, this is due to to the unavailability of eight generational units brought about by breakdowns and maintenance delays.
“While some units will be returned to service this (Sunday) evening and tomorrow, the system is expected to remain severely constrained for the rest of the week,” Eskom said in a statement.
“The return to service of a generation unit each at the Duvha and Medupi power stations has been delayed. Generation units at Tutuka, Majuba, Komati, Kendal, and two units at Hendrina have been shut down.
INFRASTRUCTURE TAKING A STRAIN
Eskom conceded that its current infrastructure was aging, thus rendered volatile and unreliable.
“While Eskom teams are working hard to return as many of these generation units to service as possible, any further deterioration in the generation performance may tip the country into load shedding,” the power utility continued. “We urge the people of South Africa to help reduce electricity usage in order to assist Eskom to keep the lights on.”
This comes just as the South African Weather Service issued out a cold front warning for the coming week.
Parts of the country are set to experience freezing temperatures from Tuesday.
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