Eskom reduces load shedding from Stage 6 to Stage 4

Eskom has announced a reduction in load shedding from Stage 6 to Stage 4, effective just after midnight. This follows a period of heightened power cuts, with South Africans eagerly awaiting improvements in electricity supply.

In a brief statement, Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena confirmed that the reduction in load shedding will remain in effect until further notice. This development comes after significant progress in restoring generation capacity across multiple power stations.

Successful Restoration of Power Generation Units

According to Mokwena, Eskom successfully recovered eight out of ten generation units that had tripped over the weekend. These include:

• Five units at Majuba Power Station
• Two units at Camden Power Station
• One unit at Medupi Power Station

This restoration effort has significantly contributed to the decrease in load shedding intensity. Eskom has also made strides in replenishing emergency reserves, which further stabilizes the grid.

The power utility clarified that the recent power unit failures were due to purely technical issues. The problems stemmed from electrical and control system failures in auxiliary parts of the affected power stations. Eskom emphasized that these were not linked incidents and that the root causes had been successfully identified and addressed.

Diesel Savings and Load Shedding Suspension

Eskom’s latest announcement follows a weekend report highlighting substantial savings on diesel expenditure. The utility revealed that it had managed to suspend load shedding long enough to save approximately R17.25 billion in diesel costs. This was achieved by improving operational efficiency and effectively managing the power grid.

“The progress underscores the success of the Generation Operational Recovery Plan in improving generation capacity and maintaining a reliable electricity supply,” Eskom stated.

Additionally, Eskom noted that from April 1, 2024, to February 20, 2025, load shedding had been suspended for a total of 323 days. This marks a significant improvement compared to the same period in the previous year, where load shedding was more frequent and prolonged.

Minister Acknowledges Setbacks and Rejects Sabotage Claims

Energy and Electricity Minister Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa addressed the media on Sunday, offering an apology for the recent setbacks in electricity supply. While acknowledging the frustration caused by the return of load shedding, he reassured the public that efforts to stabilize the grid remain a priority.

Dr. Ramokgopa also dismissed allegations that the recent outages were caused by acts of sabotage. He emphasized that Eskom’s technical teams had thoroughly investigated the unit failures and confirmed that they were due to operational challenges rather than deliberate interference.

The Road Ahead for Eskom

As Eskom continues its efforts to enhance power generation and stabilize the national grid, South Africans remain hopeful that further improvements will be made. The Generation Operational Recovery Plan has yielded promising results, but challenges still persist.

Key priorities for Eskom moving forward include:

• Strengthening maintenance programs to prevent further unplanned unit trips
• Accelerating the integration of renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on coal-fired power stations
• Improving communication with the public regarding load shedding schedules and restoration efforts

For now, Eskom remains committed to reducing the severity and frequency of load shedding. However, the long-term solution to South Africa’s power crisis will require continued investment, efficient management, and strategic planning.

Conclusion

While the reduction from Stage 6 to Stage 4 load shedding offers some relief, the broader issue of energy security in South Africa is far from resolved. Eskom’s recent successes in restoring generation units and saving on diesel costs indicate progress, but sustained improvement will depend on ongoing recovery efforts.

With 323 days of suspended load shedding over the past year, there are signs of stabilization, but South Africans remain cautious, knowing that the electricity crisis requires long-term solutions.