Loadshedding Update ‘Expected to be eased over Weekend’

Eskom expects lower stages of load shedding for the weekend

Power utility Eskom has announced that heavy stages of load shedding are expected to ease for the weekend, with changes expected depending on units returning to service as planned.

Eskom says stage 4 load shedding will be implemented on Friday from 5 am, while Stage 3 load shedding will be implemented on Saturday from 5 am.

This follows the implementation of heavy blackouts earlier this week.

In a statement, Eskom spokesperson Sikhonathi Matshantsha said due to an improvement in available generation capacity, together with the lower weekend demand for electricity, stage 4 load shedding will be implemented from 5 am on Friday until 5 am on Saturday.

Stage 3 load shedding will then be implemented and continue until 5 am on Sunday.

“Load shedding will be suspended until 4 pm on Sunday when stage 2 load shedding will be implemented,” he said

Matshantsha said two generation units at Duvha, a unit each at Arnot, Camden, Grootvlei, Kendal, Kriel, and Majuba power stations had returned to service on Wednesday.

“A generating unit at Lethabo power station was taken out of service due to a breakdown.”

Eskom cautioned the public that there is a high degree of uncertainty associated with this, as these changes are dependent on units returning to service as planned.

The power utility said further details will be published as soon as any significant changes occur.

Important information:

Every stage includes the stages before them, i.e. stage 4 includes stages 1, 2,3, and 4.

Stage 1 requires 1000MW,
Stage 2 requires 2000MW,
Stage 3 requires 3000MW,
Stage 4 calls for 4000MW,
Stage 5 calls for 5000MW,
Stage 6 calls for 6000MW,
Stage 7 calls for 7000MW,
Stage 8 calls for 8000MW to load shed nationally at a given period rotationally. Load Shedding is conducted rotationally as a measure of last resort to protect the power system.

Eskom continues to appeal to residents and businesses to use electricity sparingly during this period. Please switch off geysers as well as all non-essential lighting and electrical appliances to assist in reducing demand.