Eskom reinforced download to phases 3 and 4 to hold a contingency reserve.
The power utility said low generation capacity and high sustained demand for electricity (about 33,000 megawatts) required heavy use of open cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) and pump storage generation over the past 36 hours.
On Monday, Eskom pushed its load distribution to Stage 4 as demand surged due to icy weather.
“Phase 4 loadshedding will take place from 2pm today until 5am Wednesday. After that, Phase 3 loadsheding will take place from 5am to 2pm, followed by Phase 4 loadsheding from 2pm to 5am.” Thursday This pattern will continue to apply daily until further notice.
Eskom faults increased generation capacity to 16,313 MW, while out-of-service generation capacity for planned maintenance was reduced to 3,478 MW.