Just In: Load shedding reduced to Stage 1 as capacity improves on Tuesday

Good news or better news? Eskom has recently decided to downgrade to Stage 1 load shedding due to an improvement in generation capacity. While much of Mzansi planned for Stage 2 load shedding from 17:00 on Tuesday, it is no longer in place. In other words, you can hold off charging your devices for a bit longer. 

STAGE 1 LOAD SHEDDING EXPECTED ON TUESDAY 18 MAY 

According to Eskom, load shedding will be reduced to Stage 1 from 17:00 until 22:00 as generation capacity has further improved. 

“Eskom would like to inform the public that due to a further improvement in the power system, load shedding will be reduced to Stage 1 starting at 17:00 until 22:00 this evening,” it said in an afternoon statement.  

An additional generation unit has returned to service during the day, while another is expected to return later on Tuesday, which is expected to increase the generation capacity.

“The outlook for the remainder of the week is expected to improve as Eskom teams continue to work tirelessly to return more generators to service. Capacity unavailable due to breakdowns currently stands at 14 431MW while another 2 281MW is out on planned maintenance,” it added. 

HIGH EVENING PEAKS DUE TO THE ‘WINTER DEMAND’ 

Now that winter and the chilly weather has arrived, Eskom says demand has spiked. To make matters worse, he says that if there is further deterioration, there may be a constant need for load shedding throughout the season….load shedding that may not be as kind as Stage 1.   

“We are currently experiencing high evening peaks, which is typical of the winter demand period. Should there be any further deterioration in the generation capacity, load shedding may be necessary, most likely between 17:00 and 22:00 during the winter period,” Eskom said. 

Eskom has requested the public to continue using electricity sparingly as the system remains vulnerable. 

“We will communicate promptly should there be any further significant changes,” it added.