Loadshedding made a dramatic return this week after just a month of uninterrupted electricity supply.
Following the last round of loadshedding during the Human Rights Day long-weekend in March, Eskom introduced Stage 2 power cuts on Thursday due to major generation failures. Now, in an unexpected shift, the utility has announced that loadshedding has been suspended—at least for now.
“Following the recovery of approximately 2015MW of generation capacity, an expected decline in electricity demand, and sufficient emergency reserves, loadshedding was suspended at midnight,” Eskom confirmed.
But the message from the embattled utility is clear: this is not the end of the power crisis.
Temporary relief, long-term strain
Eskom’s recovery of capacity may signal progress in its ongoing Generation Recovery Plan, but power experts and officials remain cautious. Planned maintenance efforts continue, aimed at restoring an additional 6000MW by next Tuesday.
“Planned maintenance continues to ensure system readiness for increased winter demand, to meet regulatory requirements and to ensure environmental compliance,” the utility said.
A repeating pattern
Thursday’s return to Stage 2 loadshedding was triggered by what Eskom described as “higher-than-expected electricity demand, the loss of generation units, and extensive planned maintenance.” Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena told Daily Maverick that recent cold and rainy conditions likely pushed up usage, exacerbating pressure on the grid.
“With tonight’s peak demand (5pm–9pm) approaching, the electricity grid is under strain. We urge everyone to act now by reducing energy use,” Eskom had warned hours earlier.
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Skepticism and caution in Parliament
Energy experts and politicians are urging the public to remain vigilant. Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF) remains stubbornly low—hovering around 55%, well below the 70% target outlined in the 2023 Generation Recovery Plan.
Democratic Alliance spokesperson on energy, Kevin Mileham, stated: “The return of load shedding highlights the significant constraints on our electricity systems. It also demonstrates that the energy availability factor of Eskom’s fleet is still falling far short of the targets they set for themselves.”
Meanwhile, Eskom CEO Dan Marokane and Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokgopa have stressed that the current load reduction is part of a longer process of “deep, sustained maintenance.”
“When the utility finishes this cycle of deep maintenance,” said Marokane, “Eskom would get back to a comfort level that helped us manage the long period of no load shedding.”
Winter is coming
With colder months ahead and electricity demand expected to spike, Eskom’s reprieve may be short-lived. The utility has promised to issue further Power Alerts later today (Friday).
Until then, Eskom is doubling down on its core message: use power wisely.
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