The streak just couldn’t last. Eskom has arranged a new round of load shedding for South African citizens, starting from 11:00 this morning and continuing through until 05:00 on Monday, 7 February 2022. Unless, of course, something unexpected happens.
Load Shedding XXVI: The Sheddinator Returns
Following further breakdowns during the night, Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented starting at 11:00 on Wednesday until 05:00 on Monday pic.twitter.com/BM6PLebuQs
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) February 2, 2022
The reasons given for the shutdown are… extensive. A unit each at Kusile and Kandal power stations have tripped. This is in addition to units already being out of service at Kusile, Tutuka, Duvha, Lethabo and Grootvlei stations. That last sentence is a little funnier if you picture it being read out by a man playing a banjo. Well, until the sobbing starts.
SA’s breakdown amount is 15,000MW, with a maintenance capacity of about 4,500MW contributing itself to the power shortfall. Even so, load shedding stands at Stage 2 — for the moment. If there’s anything Eskom has taught us, it’s that things can always get worse on absolutely no notice.
It might be time to head over to Stuff‘s online store and grab a copy of our October/November 2021 issue. You know, the one with masses of tips, tricks, gadgets, and coverage concerning South Africa’s load shedding problems. Just… do it before the coming power outages take your internet access down. And charge those devices.