Get Ready for Stage 3 Load Shedding This Week: New Schedule and Expectations
Eskom, the power utility, has recently announced the return of stage 3 load shedding this week, starting on Monday, 27th March. Despite reduced load shedding over the past week, power cuts are expected to worsen as South Africa moves into the Winter months. Below, we break down the schedule and expert opinions on the situation.
Load Shedding Schedule:
- Sunday, 26 March: Stage 1 until 00:00
- Monday, 27 March: Stage 1 (00:00 to 05:00), Stage 2 (05:00 to 16:00), Stage 3 (16:00 to 00:00)
- Tuesday, 28 March: Stage 3 (00:00 to 05:00), Stage 1 (05:00 to 16:00), Stage 2 (16:00 to 00:00)
- Wednesday, 29 March: Stage 2 (00:00 to 05:00), Stage 1 (05:00 to 16:00), Stage 2 (16:00 to 00:00)
Eskom will publish further updates if any significant changes occur.
Expert Opinions:
- Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Electricity Minister, does not anticipate significantly higher stages of load-shedding during winter this year but acknowledges the grid’s fragility and that there is no guarantee.
- Robbie van Heerden, former Eskom executive, and Peter Attard Montalto, Intellidex capital markets head, warn of intensified load-shedding during winter.
- Van Heerden predicts stage 8 load-shedding during winter and continued power cuts for years.
- Montalto advises South Africans to prepare for consistent stage 7 load-shedding from July 2023.
Concerns Over a New Load-Shedding Framework:
Vally Padayachee from the NRS Association of South Africa reveals that Eskom is reviewing the load-shedding framework to prepare for load-shedding stages exceeding stage 8 in the future.
However, this framework is a proactive measure for Eskom and municipalities to be ready to respond should it be necessary.
Stage 3 load shedding is back this week, with the potential for worsening power cuts as South Africa enters the Winter months. Be sure to stay informed about the latest updates from Eskom, and take note of expert predictions for the coming months. While a new load-shedding framework is being developed to handle higher stages of power cuts, it is intended as a proactive measure to ensure that Eskom and municipalities are prepared to respond effectively if needed.