Eskom Announces Stage 3 Loadshedding Starting Today at 16:00, Followed by Stage 2 at 05:00 Tomorrow

In a press release issued today, Eskom has confirmed the implementation of Stage 3 loadshedding from 16:00 this afternoon until 05:00 on Thursday. Despite the return of 3,200MW of generation capacity over the last 48 hours, ongoing planned maintenance and the setback of losing four generating units have compelled Eskom to take this measure.

The power utility outlines a detailed schedule for loadshedding, indicating that after Stage 3 loadshedding concludes at 05:00 on Thursday, Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented until 16:00. This cycle of Stage 2 loadshedding from 05:00 until 16:00 and Stage 3 from 16:00 until 05:00 will continue until Saturday morning, with Eskom promising a further update on Friday afternoon.

Eskom remains vigilant, closely monitoring the power system and committing to communicate promptly should there be any significant changes. Unplanned outages currently stand at 14,894MW of generating capacity, while 8,336MW is out of service for planned maintenance.

Eskom Power Station General Managers and their teams are working tirelessly to bring units out of service back online, including the targeted return of 606MW of generating capacity scheduled for this evening.

The forecasted evening peak demand for Wednesday is 25,503MW, underscoring the critical need for continued efforts to manage electricity consumption. Eskom expresses gratitude to those who have responded to the call to use electricity sparingly and efficiently, particularly by switching off geysers and pool pumps from 17:00 to 21:00. These measures contribute to lowering demand, alleviating pressure on the power system, and potentially mitigating the need for higher stages of loadshedding.

As Eskom navigates the current challenges, the utility emphasizes the importance of ongoing cooperation from the public to collectively manage and mitigate the impact of loadshedding on communities and businesses alike.