Loadshedding

Eskom ‘Technically Has Gone to Stage 8 a Few Times,’ Claims Energy Expert

Published

5 months ago

November 28, 2023

Energy expert Matthew Cruise has asserted that South Africa experienced stage 8 load shedding last week despite official denials, adding a grim outlook to the power grid just ahead of the festive season. While Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa stressed that Eskom had yet to implement stage 8 load shedding and had only reached stage 6, data published on Friday indicated a reduction of over 7,000 megawatts of power from the grid. According to Eyewitness News, Cruise highlighted that this was equivalent to 8 load shedding stages according to Eskom’s metrics. He noted the technical implementation of stage 8 hours within Johannesburg during this period, although not officially acknowledged by Eskom.

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Cruise expressed interest in Eskom’s reluctance to officially declare stage 8 load shedding despite the evident strain on the power grid. He pointed out that, based on the number of shed megawatts, Eskom had technically reached stage 8 on multiple occasions, even if the formal implementation of stage 8 hours had not occurred. Looking ahead, Cruise highlighted the ongoing challenge for Eskom to ensure a stable electricity supply, especially as the festive season approaches and South Africans plan to illuminate their Christmas lights. Despite optimistic statements from the minister, Cruise, drawing on his 11-year experience at Eskom, emphasised the persistent decline in energy at power stations as a key factor driving the continued load shedding.

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