Africa-Press – South-Africa. Eskom has suspended load shedding several hours early due to improved capacity, low demand and sufficient emergency reserves.
Eskom announced that stage 2 load shedding with immediate effect would be implemented on Thursday (24 April).
It was noted that load shedding will be implemented from 16h00 on Thursday and will remain in effect until 05h00 on Friday (25 April).
It said that higher-than-expected electricity demand, the loss of generation units, and extensive planned maintenance had strained the system.
However, the power utility announced early Friday morning (25 April) that load shedding had been suspended earlier than expected.
“Following the recovery of approximately 2015 MW of generation capacity, an expected decline in electricity demand, and sufficient emergency reserves, load shedding was suspended at midnight,” said Eskom.
“Planned maintenance continues to ensure system readiness for increased winter demand, to meet regulatory requirements and to ensure environmental compliance.”
Eskom also said its team remains committed to restoring approximately 6000 MW to service by next Tuesday (29 April).
Eskom added that it would release its Power Alert later today or provide further communication as needed.
South Africans would get comfortable with surprise bouts of load shedding as winter approaches.
Eskom warned at the end of March of the potential return of outages amid inclement weather.
South Africa is currently approaching winter, with severe storms and cold weather already hitting the country.
The winter months place significant demand on the national grid, exacerbating Eskom’s already narrow supply margins.
Energy experts have long warned South Africa to expect intermittent bouts of load shedding as the country continues to hobble along with its limited capacity and maintenance issues.
Energy analyst Professor Hartmut Winkler warned that Eskom has been “walking close to the line,” meaning that any unexpected disruption could easily trigger power cuts.
Other experts, such as Chris Yelland, have also warned that the power system remains strained due to high demand, unplanned outages, and increased planned maintenance, which are not good signs as the country heads into winter.
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