Eskom, the state-owned electricity provider, has announced a temporary suspension of loadshedding during daytime hours over the weekend, citing improved generation availability and anticipated lower demand.
Eskom updates loadshedding schedule for this weekend
Loadshedding, a measure implemented to balance electricity supply and demand, will be suspended on both Saturday, 30 September 2023 and Sunday, 1 October 2023, from 05:00 until 16:00 local time.
However, it’s important to note that Stage 2 loadshedding will be reinstated during the evening hours, from 16:00 until 05:00, on both days.
Additionally, Stage 3 loadshedding will continue to be in effect from 16:00 on Friday, 29 September 2023, until 05:00 on Saturday.
In a statement, Eskom emphasised that this decision is contingent on the sustained improved performance of generation availability and the expected decrease in electricity demand over the weekend.
The power utility will closely monitor the power system and promptly communicate any changes to the loadshedding schedule if necessary.
State of the power system as reported on Friday, 29 September 2023
As of the latest update, Eskom reported that there are breakdowns affecting 14,266MW of generating capacity, while planned maintenance has resulted in 5,388MW of capacity being temporarily out of service.
Moreover, in the past 24 hours, Eskom took generating units offline for repairs at power stations including Arnot, Duvha, Ingula, and Vanderkloof, while a generating unit at Hendrina Power Station was restored to service.
Eskom’s load forecast for the evening peak demand stands at 27,606MW.
“We appeal to the members of the public to continue reducing demand by switching off non-essential appliances,” the utility pleaded.
Measures such as turning off geysers and pool pumps from 17:00 to 21:00 are encouraged, as they contribute to lowering demand, alleviating pressure on the power system, and potentially reducing the need for higher stages of loadshedding.
This temporary suspension of daytime loadshedding offers some respite to South African residents and businesses, but ongoing efforts to address generating capacity and infrastructure challenges remain a priority for Eskom.