Stage 2 loadshedding was needed says Eskom

Eskom has said that stage 2 loadshedding needed to be implemented due to extended delays in its units returning to service after maintenance.

The power utility suffered a loss of five generation units earlier this week - placing pressure on the national grid.

Stage 2 was suspended Thursday morning supported by what the utility says is a constrained but stable power system.

Stage 6 loadshedding took the country by surprise earlier this year due to challenges at Medupi, Camden and Majuba power stations which led to power cuts since alternating between stages 1 and 4.

Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said following the implementation of the latest power cuts, the power utility could possibly recover enough emergency reserves.

"Overnight, four of the five units were rapidly restored and brought back online along with two additional units from previous outages resulting in a total generation recovery of approximately 3000 megawatts. Furthermore, over the long weekend, an additional 2120 megawatts is expected to return to service contributing to grid stability," said Mokwena.