Eskom address fears over plans for “Stage 8 load shedding”

“Don’t believe everything you read” is the message coming from Eskom on Tuesday. The energy firm are used to having their name dragged through the mud – and it’s almost always through their own-doing – but on this occasion, they’ve had to come out and set the record straight on Stage 8 load shedding.

Are Eskom going to start Stage 8 load shedding? No…

A report shared this week by MyBroadband had claimed that the devastating power cuts – which would have been the worst ever seen in South Africa, as it’s the highest possible amount of power that can be taken off the grid – were heading for municipalities across the country. Several administrations were alleged to be on “high alert”.

However, that simply isn’t the case according to Eskom. They revealed that they have previously informed local authorities what to do in the event of Stage 8 load shedding, but these plans are not being implemented any time soon. The utility went onto confirm that the probability of S8 ever happening “remains low”.

No national power cuts on Tuesday

The confusion has emerged in a week where parts of East London are facing 12-hour blackouts, and thousands of residents were left powerless by sub-station explosions in Gauteng, Free State and the Eastern Cape. Eskom haven’t ruled out further load shedding on Tuesday, but they’re optimistic they can keep the lights on – despite an increase in demand.

The statement issued by the SOE on Tuesday emphatically dismisses claims that Stage 8 is around the corner:

“An article claiming that municipalities have been told Stage 8 is imminent has proved to be erroneous and incorrect. In keeping with our Disaster Management Act, we’re required to develop contingency plans for major incidents. A severe supply constraint is one of these, and we’re prepared for it.”

“The National Code for Eskom was updated in 2017. It caters for eight separate stages of load shedding, with each phase reducing the supply by 5%, which equates to about 1000 MW. Stage 8, therefore, equates to a 8000 MW defecit, and the likelihood of reaching this remains low.”

• You can read the full Eskom statement here:

#EskomMediaStatement

Stage 8 loadshedding not expected, but is planned for @eNCA @ewnupdates @SABCNewsOnline @TimesLIVE @News24 @TheCitizen_News @Moneyweb @Fin24 pic.twitter.com/x2Z25n2trG

— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) January 14, 2020