Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned electricity supplier, has confirmed that Stage 2 loadshedding will persist until 16:00 on Wednesday, January 17, 2024. This decision follows the efforts of Eskom Power Station General Managers and their teams over the weekend, resulting in an improvement in generation capacity.
Loadshedding was temporarily suspended at 21:35 on Sunday night until 05:00 on Monday due to the enhanced generation capacity and lower-than-expected electricity demand. However, a sustained improvement in capacity and anticipated lower demand prompted the implementation of Stage 2 loadshedding at 12:00 midday on Monday, continuing until Wednesday afternoon.
Unplanned outages currently account for 13,449MW of generating capacity, while 8,383MW is out of service for planned maintenance. Eskom Power Station General Managers and their teams are working diligently to ensure that 739MW of generating capacity is back in service by Monday evening, as planned.
Eskom’s load forecast for the evening peak demand on Monday was 25,507MW. The power utility will closely monitor the power system and communicate any changes if required.
Eskom extends its gratitude to those who respond to the call to use electricity sparingly and efficiently. Their efforts, including switching off geysers and pool pumps from 17:00 to 21:00, contribute to lowering demand, alleviating pressure on the power system, and aiding in maintaining lower stages of loadshedding.
Further updates on the situation will be provided on Wednesday afternoon, as Eskom continues to manage and address the challenges in the power supply system.
