Following the recent implementation of load shedding Stages 3, 6, and 4 (in that order) over the weekend, Eskom has finally relented. Stage 2 has made a triumphant return, significantly easing the strain placed on South Africa’s residents. We’re not out of the woods yet – but Eskom’s comments on the subject are certainly encouraging.
Don’t get Stage 2 fright
“This decision follows the successful recovery of eight out of ten generation units and the restoration of 3,808MW from units that tripped over the weekend, with an additional 1,146MW expected to be recovered overnight,” the power utility said in a post on X.
The country was swapped over to Stage 2 load shedding at 05h00 on the morning of Tuesday, 25 February, and will stick with the current limitations “until further notice.” Eskom mentioned that the recovery of its emergency reserves was “progressing well,” but that it needed more time to hit sufficient levels and rid us of this blight.
Read More: 600 million Africans don’t have electricity – the green energy transition must start with them
As of Monday evening, Eskom’s unplanned outages remain at 13,690MW – surpassing that of Eskom’s expected outages of 13,000MW outlined Summer outlook. “Based on the improved generation performance, the base case scenario indicates that there will be no load shedding if unplanned outages stay at 13,000MW or below,” it said.
Eskom assured residents that its planned maintenance was an ongoing process, currently sitting at 7,245MW, on par with the utility’s Summer period maintenance strategy to best prepare for a load shedding-free Winter – as South Africa experienced in 2024.
