National Loadshedding Status Update: 06 Jan 2023

Stage 4 load-shedding will be implemented from 16:00 this afternoon until 05:00 tomorrow morning, after that Stage 3 load-shedding will be implemented until Sunday morning.

Loadshedding is implemented only as a last resort in view of the shortage of generation capacity and the need to attend 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.

Due to the delays in returning seven generating units to service, Stage 4 load-shedding will be implemented from 16:00 this afternoon until 05:00 tomorrow morning. Thereafter Stage 3 load-shedding will be implemented until 16:00 on Friday. This pattern will be repeated until Sunday morning. Eskom will publish a further update as soon as there are any significant changes.
The further delays in returning to service a generating unit each at Arnot, Camden, Kendal, Kriel, and Matla and two units at Majuba power station has contributed to the capacity constraints.
We currently have 6 014MW on planned maintenance, while another 17 278MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns and delays in returning generators to service.

Eskom requests the public reduce the usage of electricity and exercise patience and tolerance during this difficult period.

Loadshedding is implemented only as a last resort in view of the shortage of generation capacity and the need to attend to breakdowns.

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.