stage 4 | Radio 94.7 FM

Eskom implemented Stage 4 load-shedding just after noon on Saturday and rolling blackouts are set to continue on Sunday.

The power utility blames the shortage of generation capacity on plant breakdowns and the loss of Mozambique imports.

But energy analyst Chris Yelland says Stage 4 load-shedding on a weekend is unprecedented.

Doubts cast on Eskom’s load shedding excuses

Cyclone Idai is not solely to blame for current energy blackout.

In a recent interview with ENCA, energy analyst Chris Yelland spoke to the inaccuracies of Eskom’s latest load shedding excuses.

The latest
Eskom’s latest excuse for the energy blackout points at cyclone Idai affecting power production, and the transmission of electricity from supplier Mozambique.

This seems to be a valid excuse until Yelland points out the flawed logic. With Stage 4 load shedding in effect, South Africa (SA) is short 4,000-megawatts of electricity. Yet, Moz
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Eskom warned of wider controlled power cuts on Monday after six additional generating units unexpectedly went offline. The power utility launched stage 4 load shedding, which requires the shedding of 4 000 megawatts from the grid.

The Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry is shocked by the sudden dramatic increase in load shedding.

“How is it possible for six units to go down at the same time?” asked Ms Janine Myburgh, President of the Chamber. “It is just too much of a co-incidence and we must ask if this is not another case of sabotage?”

Sabotage was blamed for a previous bout of load shedding, but the form it took was never explained to the public, except for workers who prevented coal deliveries from taking place.

“Stage Four load shedding is very serious indeed and it will affect commerce and industry. This will also affect the jobs of other workers, especially in heavy industry and it is time that workers whose jobs are at
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