Stage 6 loadshedding will continue to be implemented over the weekend in order to replenish emergency reserves, Eskom said in a statement on Thursday. 

"The increase in the demand for electricity due to the cold weather, particularly on Monday and Tuesday, was anticipated, however this demand exceeded what was forecasted," the power utility said.

"Eskom is obliged to carry generation reserves to cater for unforeseen events. These reserves were used on Monday and Tuesday to buffer the effects of the cold weather. Unfortunately, due to the failure of additional generation units since Sunday, the reserves have been depleted and can no longer buffer the lingering effects of the cold weather and make up for the lost generation capacity."

Stage 6 load shedding is expected to continue over the weekend, it added. 

A generating unit each at Grootvlei, Hendrina, Lethabo, Tutuka, two generating units at Arnot, Matla and three generating units at Kriel power stations have been taken out of service since Sunday. Meanwhile a generating unit at Kendal and two generating units at Tutuka power stations have been delayed in returning to service. 

Breakdowns are currently at 17 679MW of generating capacity while the generating capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 3 090 MW.