Eskom Implements Stage 2 Load Shedding Amid Delays and Breakdowns

Eskom has confirmed it will implement stage 2 load shedding from 4pm on Tuesday until Thursday, citing limited generation capacity and the need to stabilise the national grid during peak working days.

The power utility explained that the decision follows delays in returning generation units amounting to 3,120MW to service, as well as a loss of an additional 1,385MW due to unplanned breakdowns over the past 24 hours.

“The primary reason for this setback is the delay in returning several units from planned maintenance,” Eskom said in a statement. “These delays, coupled with an unplanned capacity loss that has now temporarily exceeded 13,000MW, align with the risk scenarios shared in our Winter 2025 Outlook.”

Although the system is under pressure, Eskom insists the grid is still more stable than in previous years. The utility has recently concluded an intensive maintenance cycle aimed at improving long-term reliability. However, this process has temporarily reduced flexibility and increased the grid’s sensitivity to unforeseen disruptions.

Fewer Load Shedding Incidents Than Previous Years

Eskom has acknowledged the inconvenience load shedding causes and apologised to the public. It also stressed that incidents of load shedding have significantly decreased compared to prior years.

“Our teams continue to work with determination and professionalism to stabilise and strengthen the system. The improvements we’ve seen across the generation fleet are a result of hard work and ongoing structural reforms,” said Eskom.

The utility’s Winter 2025 Power Outlook notes that load shedding may not be necessary if unplanned outages remain below 13GW. If outages rise to 15GW, stage 2 load shedding could be limited to 21 days out of the 153-day winter period—an improvement from last winter’s worst-case scenario of stage 5 load shedding.

Last Friday, Eskom reassured the public that the power system was stable, with emergency reserves available to manage periods of high winter demand.

Operational Excellence Programme Underway

In Tuesday’s announcement, Eskom highlighted the negative impact of recent delays on its operational performance but pointed to its new Operational Excellence Programme as a key solution.

“We are reinforcing oversight, strengthening accountability, and aligning service providers with stricter performance standards,” said Eskom group chief executive Dan Marokane. “The delays in returning units are being addressed with urgency by senior leadership.”

Despite current setbacks, Eskom maintains that the system has improved markedly.

“In the past financial year, 96% of our generating capacity was available, compared to just 9% in the previous year,” said the utility. “We are determined to build on this progress and will continue to closely monitor the system and keep South Africans informed.”

As South Africa heads into the colder months, Eskom’s ability to maintain consistency in its generation performance will be closely watched by businesses, households, and government alike.

{Source: The Citizen}

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