ESKOM is implementing Stage 6 load shedding from 4pm today, after seven of its generation units failed in the past 24 hours.

“Thereafter, Stage 4 load shedding will be implemented from 5am until 4pm on Tuesday, followed by Stage 6 load shedding until 5am on Wednesday. Stage 3 load shedding will be implemented from 5am until 4pm on Wednesday,” an Eskom spokesperson said.

Eskom said breakdowns were currently at 17,955MW of generating capacity, while the generating capacity out of service for planned maintenance was 5,042MW.

“Over the past 24 hours a generation unit each at Camden, Matla and Tutuka power stations were returned to service. In the same period, a generating unit each at Duvha, Grootvlei, Kendal, Majuba, Medupi and two generating units at Kriel power stations were taken offline for repairs.

“The team is working around the clock to ensure that these generating units are returned to service as soon as possible,” the ailing utility’s Menzi Mngomezulu said.

The City of Cape Town has also reported an increase in electricity service requests primarily due to non-stop load shedding at high stages, and damage-related to recent storms.

The Mayoral committee member for energy, Beverley van Reenen, said several areas including Manenberg, Mowbray, Lotus River, Langa, Durbanville and Newfields were experiencing unplanned power outages.

Meanwhile, Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has conceded that the “Eskom crisis is here to stay”.

He was addressing the media on Saturday morning, while presenting the outcomes after internal deliberations with members of the ANC’s national executive committee.

The minister said it will not be possible to end load shedding within 12 months as initially communicated, saying the Eskom crisis needed more time to be resolved.

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Failure of 7 generating units heralds return of Stage 6 load shedding

Load shedding: Eskom implements Stage 4 in the evening and Stage 3 during the day 'until further notice'