JUST IN: Eskom implements Stage 2 load shedding from 4pm to 5am Friday
Eskom has implemented Stage 2 load shedding from 4pm until 5am on Friday.
Eskom announced the implementation of Stage 2 load shedding from Thursday at 4pm, lasting until 5am on Friday.
The power utility said the decision comes in light of unexpectedly high electricity demand compounded by the loss of generation units and extensive planned maintenance work, placing an enormous strain on the already beleaguered grid.
"As a result, Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented from 16:00 today and will remain in effect until 05:00 tomorrow (Friday). Given these ongoing constraints, we urge the public to use electricity sparingly to help reduce pressure on the grid," said Eskom.
Last week, ActionSA expressed concern over Eskom's R3.6 billion diesel spend in just 30 days, calling it an 'unaffordable illusion' used to mask South Africa's ongoing electricity crisis.
The party said government claims of ending load shedding are misleading, with diesel-powered emergency generation simply substituting blackouts rather than solving the core issues.
ActionSA Member of Parliament, Alan Beesley, said: 'South Africa hasn't ended load shedding – we've simply replaced it with an unaffordable illusion, paid for by the taxpayer.'
Beesley said that between April 1 and 10, 2025, alone, Eskom burned R1.34 billion in diesel. Yet, Eskom's Energy Availability Factor (EAF), the key metric for generation performance, sits at just 56.11 percent, well below the 70 percent target set by the Minister of Electricity.
This also reflects a decline from the same period last year, when the EAF was 58.96 percent. ActionSA says this proves there are fewer megawatts available now than a year ago, despite significantly higher spending.
'That is not a recovery – it is a cover-up with devastating fiscal consequences,'' Beesley warned.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Eskom introduces chatbot Alfred for seamless customer service
Eskom has launched Alfred, an innovative AI-driven chatbot designed to enhance and expedite customer service interactions. Aiming to minimise queues and provide a safer, more efficient experience, Alfred allows customers to report power outages, receive instant reference numbers, and get real-time updates on existing faults, any time of day or night. Read more: City rejects Eskoms proposed electricity hike You can find Alfred on Eskom's main webpage, or start chatting directly by clicking here, or by selecting the chatbot icon on the top menu. Additionally, Alfred is available on WhatsApp at 08600 37566, making it accessible wherever you are. Eskom's Alfred is specifically for customers who can use their account or meter number to interact with the chatbot. Once engaged, Alfred allows you to log a power interruption as it happens and provides a reference number for your report. This makes it easy to track the progress of faults and stay informed without the need for long queues or phone calls. Also read: I think about Eskom every day. Why don't you? Eskom's commitment is to help customers access services more efficiently. For other self-service options, Eskom's Customer Service page is available for additional support. Should you experience any technical issues with Eskom's digital platforms, please report them to: mobility@ Alfred is a step forward in delivering 24/7 service, ensuring that Eskom customers remain connected and informed at all times. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Eskom urges customers to save electricity this winter season At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Mail & Guardian
4 hours ago
- Mail & Guardian
'Liability for Damage Caused by Loadshedding: A Consideration of Whether Collective Action for Redress by Consumers in South Africa is Possible' (2024)
Name of research institution: University of Pretoria Name of faculty: Faculty of Law Name of department: Department of Mercantile Law Author: Dr Tshepiso Scott-Ngoepe. Email: Submitting authority: Department of Mercantile Law, University of Pretoria, Law Faculty. Submitter: Professor Stefan van Eck Designation: Acting Head of the Department of Mercantile Law, University of Pretoria Email: Short description: The Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008 (CPA) aims to promote the welfare of consumers, particularly vulnerable ones. Loadshedding, introduced in 2007 to manage electricity demand, often results in power surges that damage consumer property, such as appliances. Section 61 of the CPA provides for liability where damage is caused by goods. This paper argues that section 61 could serve as a viable legal basis for collective redress by consumers against electricity suppliers like Eskom and local municipalities for such damages. This article was first published in the Potchefstroom Electronic Law Journal . Link to full paper:
IOL News
7 hours ago
- IOL News
Eskom reports stability in power supply ahead of winter challenges
Eskom in a statement on Friday said that the system remains stable despite being constrained. Eskom has assured the country that system remains stable despite being constrained on the back of rising demand as a result of inclement weather conditions. The State-owned power utility on Friday said it would add 2 550MW to the grid on Monday, and thus rotational load shedding will not be necessary if unplanned outages stay below 13 000MW. 'While system constraints are occasionally experienced, adequate emergency reserves are in place and are being strategically deployed to support demand during the morning and evening peak periods, particularly as the country prepares for a forecasted cold spell in the coming week,' it said. Eskom added that it was making steady progress as they move beyond the peak maintenance season, with the Planned Capability Loss Factor (PCLF) having decreased from last week's average of ~4 883MW to this week's (30 May to 5 June) average of ~4 035MW. 'As a result, the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has been recovering as expected, now fluctuating between 61% and 64% since Monday. Month-to-date, the EAF stands at 60.42%, reflecting the successful return of additional generation units from planned maintenance,' Eskom said. 'For the financial year-to-date, planned maintenance has averaged 5 974MW, representing 12.76% of total generation capacity. This reflects a decrease from the previous week, but a 2.1% increase compared to the same period last year.' Eskom said that it planned to return a total of 2 550MW of generation capacity to service ahead of the evening peak on Monday to further stabilise the grid. 'The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF), which measures the capacity lost due to unplanned outages, stands at 28.93% for the financial year to date (1 April to 5 June 2025). This represents a slight increase of ~0.8% compared to 28.17% recorded over the same period last year,' it said. 'The increase in the UCLF this week includes the delay in returning the 800MW from Medupi Unit 4, which is in the final stages of a long-term recovery project following generator damages in August 2021.' Eskom added that commissioning activities are currently underway and Grid Code compliance testing is expected to resume in the coming week. 'The unit is anticipated to return to service within June 2025. The Open-Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) load factor decreased to 6.31% this week, compared to 12.70% in the previous week (23 to 29 May 2025). This decline indicates reduced reliance on diesel.' Eskom said that the financial year-to-date OCGT load factor reflects a 5.2% decrease compared to the year-to-date figure from the previous week. 'The diesel expenditure is still within budget for the current financial year. Diesel usage is expected to decline further as more units return from long-term repairs and maintenance activities are reduced, increasing available generation capacity,' Eskom said. 'The Winter Outlook, published on 5 May 2025, covering the period ending 31 August 2025, remains valid. It indicates that loadshedding will not be necessary if unplanned outages stay below 13 000MW. If outages rise to 15 000MW, loadshedding would be limited to a maximum of 21 days out of 153 days and restricted to Stage 2.' Energy expert Ruse Moleshe, managing director of RUBK, said that Eskom was entering the winter period when demand for electricity was typically higher due to higher need for heating and other services. 'The concerted effort to focus on and increase maintenance during the summer season bodes well for winter, due to expected plant reliability. So does bringing the additional 2500 MW capacity on stream. All these efforts will contribute to increased plant availability,' Moleshe said. 'Although the risk of unplanned outages or plant breakdowns remains, given the constrained system, Eskom has done well to plan for the winter period and ensure all efforts are made to increase supply options to meet the needs of consumers.' BUSINESS REPORT
