Eskom has confirmed that loadshedding will remain suspended for the weekend starting Friday, 16 August 2024.
Story Summary:
- Eskom announced the continuation of loadshedding suspension for the weekend starting Friday, 16 August 2024.
- Eskom’s power system remains stable, with significant improvements in operational efficiency and reduced unplanned outages.
- No loadshedding is expected for the remainder of winter, based on current power system performance.
Weekend loadshedding schedule starting Friday, 16 August 2024
This marks 142 consecutive days of uninterrupted power supply since 26 March 2024.
Eskom’s improved operational efficiencies have allowed for consistent energy availability, ensuring no loadshedding during this period.
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Here’s a look at the provisional weekend loadshedding schedule starting Friday, 16 August 2024:
| Date | 05:00 – 16:00 | 16:00 – 20:00 | 20:00 – 00:00 | 00:00 – 05:00 |
| Fri 16 Aug 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Sat 17 Aug 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Sun 18 Aug 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
What is the state of the power system?
Eskom’s power system is currently stable, thanks to the Generation Operational Recovery Plan.
This plan has led to a significant reduction in unplanned outages, with an average Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of 67% over the past week.
Eskom has also achieved a substantial reduction in diesel expenditure, saving R10.21 billion from 1 April 2024 to 15 August 2024.
The ongoing planned maintenance is aligning well with Eskom’s winter strategy, ensuring continuous reliability of the power plants.
Eskom highlighted that “the winter forecast anticipated a likely scenario of unplanned outages at 15 500MW, with loadshedding limited to Stage 2 – this remains in force.”
However, current unplanned outages are well below this forecast, further contributing to the stable power system.
Will Eskom implement loadshedding this winter?
Based on the current performance of Eskom’s power system, it is unlikely that loadshedding will be implemented this winter.
Eskom has successfully maintained an uninterrupted power supply throughout the winter period, with unplanned outages remaining below-forecasted levels.
Additionally, the improved operational efficiencies and reduced reliance on diesel for power generation further decrease the likelihood of loadshedding.
