Eskom confirms Stage 2 load shedding for Monday 7 February

On Monday, February 7th, there will be no load shedding.
Last week, load shedding returned after Eskom had gone three months without a power outage. However, there was a glitch in the grid at the start of the month, and darkness – our old pal – is back with us tonight.
At 21:00 on Monday evening, Stage 2 rotational cuts will be enforced.
These will be in place until 5:00 on Tuesday. It’s not yet been confirmed if load shedding will extend any further than this eight-hour window.
More than 21 000MW of electricity is off the nation grid at the moment, after a combination of failing units, slow repair jobs, and depleted fuel reserves have pushed Eskom towards all-too-familiar territory.

“Load shedding will be implemented, to replenish emergency reserves. Since midnight, we have lost a unit each at Camden, Kusile, Duvha and Matla power stations. Furthermore, the return of a unit at Kusile and two units at Majuba are delayed. Total breakdowns amount to 16 261 MW, while planned maintenance is 5 350MW offline.”
“Eskom appeals to all South Africans to reduce their usage of electricity and to switch off all non-essential items. We will communicate promptly should there be any significant changes to the power system.”
Eskom statement

Eskom confirms Stage 2 blackouts – but why?

In what could be yet another kick in the teeth, Eskom also used their latest statement to warn about the possibility of load shedding starting earlier than planned on Tuesday, should any more technical issues occur.

• You can read the full statement from Eskom here – if you’ve got the stomach for it.

#POWERALERT1

Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 21:00 tonight until 05:00 on Tuesday pic.twitter.com/cbgptSwHaD
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) February 7, 2022