No load shedding expected after transmission fault at Koeberg, Eskom says
Eskom has moved to reassure South Africans that there is no risk of loadshedding following a temporary reduction in output at the Koeberg
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Eskom has moved to reassure South Africans that there is no risk of load shedding following a temporary reduction in output at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station on Tuesday.
This comes after a fault on the 132kV transmission lines from the nearby Pinotage substation forced both Koeberg units to reduce power to 100MW each. Eskom explained that this automatic reduction is a standard safety measure designed to protect both the nuclear reactors and the national grid.
"Eskom reports that at 16:53 today, both units at the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station were safely reduced from full power to 100MW each following a fault on the 132kV transmission lines supplied from the Pinotage transmission substation near Stellenbosch," Eskom said.
"Eskom confirms that this was an expected response under such circumstances, designed to protect the integrity of the power station and the national grid. Eskom further confirms that both nuclear reactors were not affected by this incident. The National Nuclear Regulator has been duly informed of the incident."
The power utility added that there is no risk of load shedding, as South Africa has sufficient generation reserves, adding that the National Transmission Company has approved the gradual increase of output of both units back to full power, and that all safety and regulatory protocols continue to be strictly followed.
"Importantly, there is no risk of load shedding due to adequate national generation reserves and the National Transmission Company South Africa (NTCSA) has given approval for Koeberg Nuclear Power Station to begin increasing the power output of both units."
"Eskom assures the public and stakeholders that Koeberg Nuclear Power Station continues to operate safely and securely, and that all necessary regulatory and operational protocols are being followed."
Earlier this month, IOL also reported that South Africa has entered 2026 with its most stable and reliable electricity system in five years. The utility, which has in the past faced widespread criticism over persistent load-shedding, said it has added 4,400 megawatts of capacity, improved maintenance across its coal fleet, and reduced emergency outages through its multi-year Generation Recovery Plan.
"The results of Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan that commenced in April 2023 have enabled South Africa to return from the holiday break to a structurally stronger system entering 2026 than in five years, with an additional 4,400MW of capacity available compared to this time last year," Eskom said
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za
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