Slight reprieve for South Africa as Eskom confirms lower stages of load shedding
Following what was described as the coldest week since the start of the current winter season which saw the demand for electricity shoot up again amid higher stages of load shedding, South Africans can breathe a sigh of relief for now.
The rolling blackouts were briefly suspended by Eskom in the early hours of Sunday, before stage 2 kicked in around 8:00am.
South Africans were plunged into stage 6 load shedding for the better part of last week in the wake of bitterly cold weather conditions.
The situation was made even worse for City of Johannesburg residents who had to endure a 58-hour long water shutdown.
In a brief statement issued on Sunday, Eskom said the pumped storage dam levels have been adequately replenished for the week ahead.
“Diesel levels at the OCGT [Open-cycle gas turbines] power stations have improved but remain low.
“Therefore, Stage 2 load shedding will be implemented from 8 am until 4 pm on Sunday,” the power utility said.
Stage 4 load shedding will then kick in until 5 am on Monday.
“Eskom will publish an update as soon as any significant changes occur.”
#LoadsheddingUpdate
Sunday, 16 July 2023Loadshedding was suspended at 01:35 this morning. The pumped storage dam levels have been adequately replenished for the week ahead. Diesel levels at the OCGT power stations have improved but remain low. Therefore, Stage 2 loadshedding…
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) July 16, 2023
Earlier this month, Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena told the publication that the high demand in the evenings still required load shedding to be implemented as there was insufficient installed capacity of OCGTs to make up the entire shortfall.
Mokwena also warned of the possibility of stage 8.
“A high demand for electricity for the remainder of winter will be determined largely by how cold weather sets in across the country in the coming weeks and what the generation capacity available will be when that occurs.
“While less likely, given the current performance of the Eskom generation fleet, stage 8 load shedding is still a possibility this winter, but during the warmer period, stage 3 to 4 load shedding is to be expected while colder periods may increase this,” said Mokwena.
She said should a cold spell coincide with multiple generator breakdowns, high stages of load shedding may be necessary.
In other news – Burna Boy coming back to SA – Here’s what you need to know
Nigerian megastar Burna Boy is coming back to South Africa and his fans are ready to let the good times roll, again. A fusion of international excellence awaits on 23 September when he is set to take to the stage.
True to lyrics on his hit song, ‘Last Last’, E don cast, a Pidgin phrase meaning it has now been revealed, Burna Boy will perform at the First National Bank (FNB) stadium in Johannesburg. Ticketing provider, Ticketpro revealed that the ‘Ye’ hitmaker is returning to South Africa in September. Learn More
