Stage 3 load shedding to kick in from 5pm on Friday

Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has confirmed that Stage 3 load shedding will be implemented from 5 PM on Friday, marking the return of power cuts after nearly 10 months of uninterrupted electricity supply.

The sudden reintroduction of load shedding is due to failures at two of Eskom’s best-performing power stations, Matimba and Lethabo. These unexpected breakdowns, combined with scheduled maintenance at other stations, have significantly reduced Eskom’s generation capacity.

Minister Ramokgopa’s Statement on Load Shedding

Addressing the media at Megawatt Park, Eskom’s headquarters, Ramokgopa described the situation as a “perfect storm”, emphasizing that the setbacks were temporary.

“We got hit by a perfect storm. So, what is that perfect storm? We had units out for planned maintenance, and as part of the generation recovery plan, we are not going to compromise on planned maintenance,” said Ramokgopa.

He stressed that the utility remains committed to long-term improvements, even if it means experiencing short-term difficulties.

“Thanks to the fiscal support we’ve received from National Treasury, Mr. Nxumalo and the team have been able to carry out planned maintenance, which is essential for the sustainability of our power supply,” he added.

Why Is Load Shedding Returning Now?

For nearly a year, South Africans have enjoyed a period of electricity stability, thanks to improvements in Eskom’s generation fleet. However, this stability has been disrupted due to a combination of planned maintenance and unexpected breakdowns at key power stations.

The following factors have contributed to the return of load shedding:

1. Breakdowns at Key Power Stations
   • Matimba and Lethabo, two of Eskom’s most reliable power stations, have suffered unexpected failures, significantly reducing available electricity supply.
2. Planned Maintenance
   • Eskom is currently conducting routine maintenance on multiple units as part of its generation recovery plan.
   • Despite the impact on short-term supply, Eskom insists that planned maintenance is necessary to ensure long-term reliability.
3. Financial Constraints and Aging Infrastructure
   • Although government support has helped Eskom, aging power plants continue to struggle with frequent breakdowns, making the system highly vulnerable to disruptions.

Eskom’s Warning Issued Earlier in the Day

On Friday morning, Eskom issued a warning about a high probability of load shedding, citing the increasing risk due to plant breakdowns.

At the time, the utility had hoped that emergency reserves would prevent immediate power cuts. However, by the afternoon, the situation worsened, forcing Eskom to implement Stage 3 load shedding starting at 5 PM.

What Does This Mean for South Africans?

The return of Stage 3 load shedding means:

• Households and businesses will experience rolling blackouts at different times, depending on their location.
• Essential services, such as hospitals and emergency facilities, may be affected if alternative power sources are not available.
• Industries reliant on constant electricity supply, such as manufacturing and retail, may face disruptions.

Eskom is expected to monitor the situation closely, and further updates will be provided if the situation worsens or improves over the weekend.

Long-Term Energy Plans Still in Motion

Despite this setback, Minister Ramokgopa reiterated that the government and Eskom remain focused on long-term solutions to end load shedding permanently.

The government’s energy recovery plan includes:

• Increased planned maintenance to improve the reliability of Eskom’s power plants.
• Investment in alternative energy sources, including renewables and private sector participation.
• Upgrading and modernizing aging infrastructure to reduce breakdowns.

Looking Ahead: Will Load Shedding Continue?

While Eskom and the government have assured the public that this is a temporary setback, the risk of load shedding remains high in the coming weeks, especially if further breakdowns occur.

Eskom and Minister Ramokgopa are expected to provide more updates over the weekend, outlining whether load shedding will intensify or be reduced based on the power grid’s stability.

For now, South Africans are urged to prepare for potential extended power cuts, as the country faces its first major load shedding incident in almost a year.