Generator breakdowns contribute to latest Stage 6 loadshedding escalation

State-owned power utility Eskom will implement Stage 6 loadshedding from 16:00 on January 11, until further notice. The entity cites severe capacity constraints as the reason behind the more prevalent planned blackouts, particularly since eleven generators totalling over 5 GW of capacity had broken down on January 10.
/by

Stage 6 loadshedding to run continuously until further notice

Eskom has announced that Stage 6 loadshedding will now run continuously from 16:00 on Wednesday until further notice.  The power utility said that 11 generators amounting to 5 084MW of capacity suffered breakdowns since Tuesday morning. These were a unit each at the Camden, Duvha, Grootvlei, Hendrina, Kendal, and two units each at Kriel, Majuba and Matla power stations. 
/by

South Africa at key stage of nuclear revamp as power grid reels

South Africa has entered a critical phase of revamping its sole nuclear plant and needs it to run according to plan to avoid deepening power cuts that are already at a record and wreaking havoc on the economy. The first of two units at the 1 940-megawatt Koeberg plant was shut down last month for refueling and the replacement of its steam generators, work that’s expected to be completed in early June, state power utility Eskom said in an emailed response to questions. The overhaul of the second unit is due to begin a few months later.
/by