Charge everything: Load-shedding hits this afternoon
Eskom will implement Stage 2 load-shedding during evening peak periods from today at 16:00 until 22:00 on Thursday to ensure supply during working days.
The power utility said in a statement that load-shedding is being implemented to manage limited generation capacity and ensure continued supply during the working day.
This decision follows the delayed return of generation units (amounting to 3 120MW), and 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 to operation after 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 power utility explained that it is emerging from an intensive maintenance cycle, which is essential for long-term reliability but temporarily reduces system flexibility and resilience. As a result, the grid is more sensitive to unexpected disruptions.
'We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this causes. Eskom remains firmly committed to supplying electricity reliably,' said group chief executive Dan Marokane.
'Our new operational excellence programme is key to restoring performance. We are reinforcing oversight, strengthening accountability and aligning service providers with stricter performance standards. This forms part of our broader drive for consistent improvement… We are determined to build on the progress already achieved. The delays in returning units are being addressed with urgency by senior leadership,' he added.
Despite current pressures, Eskom said the system is in a significantly stronger position than in past winters. 'In the past financial year, 96% of our generating capacity was available, compared to just 9% in the previous year.'
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