Eskom Files: Heads Up Possible Loadshedding at Short Notice

Due to the shortage of generation capacity, Stage 2 load-shedding ng might be implemented at short notice between 16:00 and 24:00 over the next three days.

Tuesday, 02 August 2022: Due to a shortage of generation capacity, Eskom cautions the public that Stage 2 load-shedding might be required to be implemented at short notice during the evening peak period of 16:00 – 24:00 over the next three days. Eskom will promptly communicate any further changes.

The delays in returning a generation unit to service each at Arnot, Kusile, and the Koeberg power stations, as well! as the failure of a generation unit each at Medupi, Hendrina, Camden, and two units at Majuba Power Station, have exacerbated the capacity constraints. Some generation units at other power stations are expected to return to service over the next few days.
However, should there be any further loss of generation capacity over the next three days, or should some units fail to return to service as anticipated, load-shedding may be required to be implemented at short notice.
We currently have 2 986MW on planned maintenance, while another 15 513MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.
Eskom would like to remind the public that load-shedding is implemented only as a last resort to protect the national grid. We, therefore, urge all South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly, especially during these uncertain times on the power system.

Eskom would like to remind the public that load-shedding is implemented only as a last resort to protect the national grid. We, therefore, urge all South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly, especially during these uncertain times on the power system.

Important information:

Every stage includes the stages before them as well, 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 rotationally load shed nationally at a given period. 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.