JOHANNESBURG: South Africa´s ailing state power utility on Friday implemented the highest level of electricity rationing after its coal supply was dampened by rain.
Debt-ridden Eskom, which generates 95 percent of the country´s electricity, is reeling from years of corruption and mismanagement under former president Jacob Zuma´s government.
Despite multiple government bailouts, its poorly maintained coal-fired power stations struggle to keep up with the electricity demands of Africa´s most industrialised economy -- forcing it to implement rolling blackouts known as load shedding.
"Eskom has lost additional generation units this morning," said a company statement on Friday, one day after announcing a new bout of power cuts. "And with units not having returned to service as scheduled," it added, "load shedding (needs) to move up from stage 2 to stage 4".
The highest stage calls for 4,000 MW -- just under 10 percent of Eskom´s maximum effect -- to be cut from the national power grid. Eskom blamed days of "incessant rain" in several parts of the country.
Donald Trump, left, and President Joe Biden during the final presidential debate at Belmont University in Nashville,...
The Pentagon building in Arlington County, Virginia. — AFP FileWASHINGTON: The Pentagon on Thursday acknowledged in...
Representational image of flags of France and Japan. — APP FilePARIS: France and Japan agreed on Thursday to start...
Donald Trump. — AFP FileWASHINGTON: Donald Trump said he may not accept the 2024 election results in Wisconsin, a...
Britain's former Chancellor to the Exchequer Rishi Sunak reacts as he answers questions while taking part in a...