It might be a cold and dark weekend ahead – Eskom has cautioned the public that the power system remains constrained and that Stage 2 loadshedding might be required to be implemented at short notice during 16:00 – 24:00 this evening, and possibly during the evening peaks throughout the weekend.

This is due to a shortage of generation capacity owing to breakdowns and delays in returning some generating units to service.

The cold front expected during the weekend is also anticipated to result in increased demand for electricity, adding to the capacity constraints.

We therefore urge all South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly. Eskom will promptly communicate should there be any significant changes.

Meanwhile, Unit 2 of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station was shutdown this morning.

During routine testing of the control rod mechanism on the unit, one of the control rods developed a mechanical problem.

In order to rectify this, the unit has been safely shut down in accordance with safe nuclear operating procedure and the nuclear regulations. It has not yet been determined how long the repairs will take, but it could be up to five days, whereafter the unit will ramp up over three days. During this period the probability of loadshedding has increased.

The breakdown of two generation units at Hendrina Power Station and the delay in returning a generating unit each at Kendal, Komati, Kusile and Tutuka power stations during the last 24 hours have put a severe strain on the power generation system.

During the same period, Eskom teams have returned to service a generating unit each at Kriel and Matla power stations.

Eight generating units are expected to return to service by Monday evening.

Currently 4 526MW is offline due to planned maintenance, while another 14 574MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.

Related: Cape Town customers protected from more than 720 hours of loadshedding