Eskom Intensifies Load Shedding to Stage 3 Amidst Reserve Replenishment Efforts

In a recent development, Eskom, South Africa’s main electricity provider, has elevated the load shedding protocol to stage 3 starting from 09:00 AM today, 19th November. The utility is taking this step to bolster its emergency reserves in preparation for the upcoming week’s demand.

A Glimmer of Progress with Koeberg Unit 1

Despite the heightened load shedding, Eskom has delivered some positive news. Unit 1 at Koeberg, the nation’s sole nuclear facility, has been triumphantly restored to the power grid after extensive refurbishment.

Crucial Maintenance Delays Come to an End

The overhaul, which involved replacing three steam generators, experienced multiple setbacks, leading to a shift in the completion timeline from mid-year to November 2023. With Unit 1 now operational, it contributes nearly 1,000 MW to the national grid, potentially offsetting one stage of load shedding.

Upcoming Challenges with Unit 2

Unit 2, which has been active during Unit 1’s downtime, is slated for a similar refurbishment soon. Eskom remains optimistic that the experience gained from Unit 1’s delays will help expedite the process for Unit 2, minimizing downtime.

Koeberg’s Future Secured

The steam generator replacement is a pivotal achievement in Koeberg’s history, as it’s a key step for the power station’s operational licence extension. Eskom’s pursuit of an additional two decades of operation for Koeberg is currently under the National Nuclear Regulator’s review.

What’s Next for Eskom?

Eskom is set to provide a further update on the power outlook for the week ahead this afternoon. South Africans are bracing for more detailed information on the scheduled power interruptions and are hopeful for a steady return to normalcy with the recent developments at Koeberg.

Accessing Load Shedding Schedules

We are pleased to inform you that accessing load shedding schedules tailored to your specific area is now simplified, thanks to Loadshedding.com.

How to Access the Schedule:

1. Visit Load shedding Schedule.
2. Enter your suburb name to view the schedule for upcoming days.

If you’re uncertain about your suburb’s name, kindly refer to Eskom’s Loadshedding Site for assistance.

Device Compatibility: The Loadshedding.com platform is optimized for a range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop computers.

Pro-tip: Bookmark your suburb on the site for quicker access in the future