Eskom Scales Back to Stage 2 Load Shedding

A Brighter Outlook for Power Supply

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Eskom has announced a welcome shift in its load management strategy, moving to stage 2 load shedding from 10:00 AM on Friday (16 February), thanks to the restoration of additional generating units and the bolstering of emergency reserves. This adjustment marks a significant easing from the stage 6 outages experienced last weekend, with the utility pledging to keep the public informed of any further changes.

Week’s Improvement:

• Load Shedding Reduction: Transition to stage 2 until further notice.
• Ongoing Communication: Eskom commits to updating the public as needed.

Behind the Scenes:

• Recent Challenges: A spike to stage 6 was attributed to multiple boiler tube leaks, impacting generating capacity.
• Maintenance Strategy: Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa highlighted a “calculated risk” approach in Eskom’s maintenance, aiming to repair units despite potential vulnerabilities.

Looking Ahead:

• Maintenance Adjustment: Plans are in place to gradually scale back maintenance from March to May, aiming to stabilize the power grid while accommodating winter demand.
  • March Plan: Reduction to 5,000MW of planned maintenance.
  • April and May Strategy: Further reduction to 3,500MW, maintaining this level through the winter.

Eskom’s proactive steps towards restoring generating units and managing maintenance with strategic foresight offer a glimmer of hope in stabilizing South Africa’s power supply, reflecting a cautious yet optimistic approach to navigating the challenges of load shedding.

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.