Eskom’s Power Alert indicates no loadshedding for the week starting 10 June 2024, with improvements in the power system and stable demand management.
Loadshedding outlook for this week: Here’s what to expect
1. What is the Current State of the Power System?
Eskom has reported a significant improvement in the reliability of its power generation fleet.
As of Friday, 7 June 2024, loadshedding has been suspended for more than 72 consecutive days, marking a noteworthy period of stability in South Africa’s power supply.
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According to the power utility, this improvement is largely due to the strategic Generation Operational Recovery Plan, which focused on extensive planned maintenance during the summer months of 2023/24.
Key performance highlights include:
- Reduction in Unplanned Outages: The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) decreased to 28.0% from 35.7% recorded in the same period last year.
- Energy Availability Factor (EAF) Improvement: The EAF increased to 61.1% year-to-date, showing an 8% improvement compared to the same period last year.
- Planned Maintenance: The current planned maintenance of 4,653MW is consistent with Eskom’s maintenance plans for this winter.
2. What is the Likelihood of Loadshedding This Week?
Given the current improvements and strategic planning, the likelihood of loadshedding this week is low.
The power system’s performance has surpassed the winter forecast, with unplanned outages averaging at 11,300MW, which is 3,000MW less than anticipated.
Eskom’s ability to maintain stability and manage the generation fleet effectively has been instrumental in keeping loadshedding at bay.
The use of Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) has also been significantly lower compared to previous years, indicating a more stable power generation environment.
From 1 April to 6 June 2024, Eskom spent R1.71 billion on OCGTs, producing 246.91GWh, which is about 77% less than the same period last year. This efficient use of resources further reduces the likelihood of loadshedding.
Here’s the loadshedding schedule starting Monday, 10 June 2024
Here is the official loadshedding schedule:
| Date | 00:00 – 05:00 | 05:00 – 16:00 | 16:00 – 20:00 | 20:00 – 00:00 |
| Mon 10 June 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Tues 11 June 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Wed 12 June 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Thurs 13 June 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Friday 14 June 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Sat 15 June 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Sun 16 June 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
Readers from these metros can check the latest loadshedding schedule below:
- City of Johannesburg
- City of Ekurhuleni
- City of Tshwane
- City of Cape Town
- Nelson Mandela Bay
- eThekwini
- Manguang
- Buffalo City
What is the average demand expected to be this week?
With consistent cold temperatures forecasted, electricity demand is expected to remain high. Eskom has noted that the evening peak demand on Friday, 7 June 2024, was 29,704MW.
This high demand is expected to continue throughout the week as temperatures drop and households increase their electricity usage for heating.
Eskom has planned for a total of 3,020MW of generating capacity to be returned to service by Monday, 10 June 2024. This additional capacity will help meet the high demand and maintain the stability of the power system.
However, Eskom urges customers to reduce their electricity consumption, especially in areas prone to network overloading due to electricity theft and illegal connections.
