Loadshedding.com
The power giant, Eskom, is bringing some respite to the South African public this coming weekend with an adjustment in load shedding schedules. They’ve announced a temporary halt in outages for the majority of the daytime hours.
The Weekend’s Load Shedding Outlook
Here’s how the load shedding is planned to pan out:
Friday, 30 June
- Stage 1: Until 16h00
- Stage 3: 16h00 to 00h00
Saturday, 1 July
- Suspended: 00h00 to 16h00
- Stage 3: 16h00 to 00h00
Sunday, 2 July
- Suspended: 00h00 to 16h00
- Stage 3: 16h00 to 00h00
This pattern will hold steady until further changes are announced.
Current Generation Capacity Status
Eskom has managed to cut down breakdowns to 14,374MW of generating capacity, while capacity out of service for planned maintenance stands at 5,003MW.
Within the last day, Grootvlei and Kriel power stations saw a single unit each returned to service. Conversely, a generation unit at Camden, Kendal, and two units at Matla power stations were sidelined due to breakdowns.
One unit’s delayed return at the Tutuka Power Station is adding to the capacity constraints. “Eskom teams are working around the clock to return generating units to service over the next few days,” the utility company stated.
Long-term Load Shedding Trends and Cautionary Note
The weekend respite aligns with a recent trend of daytime load shedding suspensions over the last three weeks. These suspensions are beginning to shape a more optimistic longer-term trend in load shedding.
Yet, as South Africans enjoy this break from full-day load shedding, energy experts caution against taking the situation lightly. Load shedding remains a reality, and Eskom alongside the government continues to urge South Africans to be judicious with their power usage.
Joel Bijlmer 
Load Shedding Reporter 