It will run from 1pm on Wednesday until 6am on Thursday.

Eskom says the grid is constrained due to high generation unit breakdowns over the past three days.

Spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha says the rolling blackouts are likely to continue on Thursday due to a severely constrained system.

“This load-shedding is necessary as the power generation system is still severely constrained due to high generation unit breakdowns during the past three days, as well as the need to replenish diminishing emergency generation reserves.

“The outlook for the power system is unpredictable and there is a high probability of load-shedding continuing on Thursday. Eskom will continue to assess and communicate promptly as the situation changes.”

He says some generation units at the Lethabo, Kendal and Duvha Power Stations were taken offline for repairs, adding to the high number of breakdowns.

“We currently have 4 858MW on planned maintenance, while another 14 521MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns and delays.

“As previously communicated, Eskom continues to implement reliability maintenance during this period, and as such the system will continue to be constrained, with the possibility of load-shedding remaining elevated.”

The power utility is calling on South Africans to use electricity sparingly.

eNCA