Eskom Announces Adjusted Load Shedding Schedule

Eskom, South Africa’s primary electricity supply entity, has issued a detailed update on the imminent load shedding stages for the coming days.

Schedule Overview:

For Monday, 18 September:

• Stage 2: Until 12h00.
• Transition to Stage 1: From 12h00 to 16h00.
• Shifting to Stage 3: Commencing at 16h00 and concluding at 00h00.

As for Tuesday, 19 September:

• Stage 3: Beginning at 00h00 and ending at 05h00.
• Reverting to Stage 2: Effective from 05h00 to 16h00.
• Escalating to Stage 4: Starting at 16h00 and lasting until 00h00.

Eskom has indicated that the oscillation between Stage 2 and Stage 4 will persist for an unspecified duration.

The modification in the load shedding strategy for Monday is attributed to enhancements in Eskom’s generation capacity and operational performance. This development offers a semblance of respite, especially when juxtaposed with the previous week’s protracted Stage 6 load shedding.

Significant Development at Kusile Power Station:

The Kusile Power Station, notable for its generation potential, marked the recommencement of its Unit 4, post its slated 20-day maintenance. This resumption ensures an addition of 800 megawatts to the national grid.

Furthermore, the Minister in the Presidency for Electricity, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, disclosed on Sunday about the accelerated reactivation timeline for other units at Kusile. This is poised to fortify the electricity availability in the concluding quarter of 2023.

It’s worth recalling that Units 1, 2, and 3 of the Kusile station had been rendered non-operational last October due to complications in the flue-gas desulphurisation (FGD) mechanism. Addressing this, Dr. Ramokgopa commented, “For Unit 3, we’re forecasting an advanced resumption by 14 October. Unit 1 is projected to follow suit by 30 October.”

In the light of these developments, stakeholders are monitoring Eskom’s operational strategies closely, anticipating enhanced stability in the national power supply.