Over the past 24 hours a unit each at Medupi, Kusile and Matla power stations tripped while a unit each at Lethabo and Arnot power stations were forced to shut down.

This constrained the power system further requiring extensive use of emergency reserves and therefore, hampering the recovery of these reserves. Some generating units have returned to service and we anticipate another two units to return to service during the day.

In addition, Koeberg Unit 1 is expected to return to service today and begin ramping up to full output within 48 hours.

Total breakdowns currently amount to 14 957MW while planned maintenance is 5 301MW of capacity.

We remind customers that loadshedding is implemented as a last resort to maintain the stability of the power system regardless of the stage of loadshedding. The implementation of Stage 4 loadshedding is therefore, no cause for alarm as the power system remains to be effectively controlled. Eskom would like to apologise for the inconvenience caused by the implementation of loadshedding, and requests the public to reduce the usage of electricity in order to help us through the constraints. Eskom will communicate promptly should there be any significant changes to the power system.

Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented until 05:00 on Saturday.