Eskom has ramped up load shedding, providing an outlook until Wednesday.
The crumbling state-owned entity on Sunday implemented stage 1 load shedding from 4pm until 5am on Monday.
Load shedding outlook
Eskom interim spokesperson Daphne Mokoena said load shedding will be implemented at different stages until Wednesday.
“Stage 2 load shedding will be implemented from 5am until 4pm on Monday, followed by stage 3 until 5am on Tuesday.
“On Tuesday and Wednesday, stage 1 load shedding will be implemented from 5am until 4pm and stage 2 load shedding will be implemented from 4pm until 5am.
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Mokoena warned that the outlook could change.
“Eskom will publish a further update as soon as any significant changes occur.”
Breakdowns
Mokoena added that breakdowns increased to 15 777MW of generating capacity while 6 122MW of generating capacity was out of service for planned maintenance.
“Over the past 24 hours, three generation units were returned to service at Duvha, Kendal and Kriel power stations. In the same period, a generating unit at Kendal, Kriel and Majuba power stations were taken offline for repairs.
“The delays in returning units to service at Duvha, Hendrina, Kriel, Majuba, Medupi and Tutuka power stations continue,” she said.
ANC, Eskom responsible
Meanwhile, Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi put the blame squarely on African National Congress (ANC) for the country’s electricity crisis, arguing that its successive administrations since 1999 failed to increase Eskom’s generation capacity due to mismanagement and corruption.
Ngcukaitobi was representing the United Democratic Movement (UDM) and 18 other litigants in their application for an interdict compelling government to exempt essential services like public health institutions and schools, among others, from the deliberate power cuts.
The 19 litigants are also seeking a declaratory order that President Cyril Ramaphosa, as head of the national executive, and national government breached their constitutional duty to supply interrupted power to the country.
Additional reporting by Thapelo Lekabe
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