Johannesburg: Eskom has announced that it will implement Stage 2 load shedding during the evening peak from 4pm today until 10pm on Thursday evening. The power utility explained that the move is aimed at managing ‘limited generation capacity and to ensure continued supply during the working days’.
According to South African Government News Agency, this decision follows the delayed return of generation units, amounting to 3,120MW, as well as an additional loss of 1,385MW in the past 24 hours due to unplanned breakdowns. The primary reason for this setback is the delay in returning several units from planned maintenance. These delays, coupled with an unplanned capacity loss that has now temporarily exceeded 13,000MW, align with the risk scenarios shared in Eskom’s Winter 2025 Outlook.
The electricity provider added that essential intense maintenance at power stations ‘temporarily reduces system flexibility and resilience’. As a result, the grid is more sensitive to unexpected disruptions. Eskom has apologised for the inconvenience this causes and remains committed to supplying electricity reliably. Their teams continue to work to stabilise and strengthen the system as a result of the structural improvements across the generation fleet. Load shedding incidents have significantly decreased when compared to previous years.
Furthermore, the system remains in a stronger position than in past winters, with 96% of generating capacity available over the past financial year, compared to just 9% in the previous year. Eskom also continues to expand capacity, with three major projects on track to bring an additional 2,500MW onto the grid, marking a crucial milestone toward full recovery, aided by commitment from private sector partners.
Eskom Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, assured that the setbacks at the power utility are being addressed. He mentioned the introduction of a new Operational Excellence Programme as key to restoring performance, which includes reinforcing oversight, strengthening accountability, and aligning service providers with stricter performance standards. This effort is part of a broader drive for consistent improvement through Systems, People, and Processes. Senior leadership is addressing the delays in returning units with urgency.