Eskom implemented Stage 8 load shedding – and YOU didn’t know

Despite supposed measures by government to address load shedding, the current energy crisis is showing no signs of improving as it has been learnt that Eskom essentially implemented Stage 8 load shedding on Thursday evening, 13 April 2023, Sunday Times reports.

ALSO READ

• Ramokgopa: Eskom must act fast to avoid further load shedding
• Eskom fights to block THIS town from using its own solar power
• South Africans urged to invest in rooftop solar with NEW rules and a pricing structure
• Is this the end of load shedding? Five things you need to know about the family meeting

HOW DO WE KNOW IT WAS STAGE 8 LOAD SHEDDING?

According to the publication, Eskom’s energy availability (at the time Stage 8 load shedding was implemented) was sitting at 23,771MW against the power demand of 30,747MW. This means it had to shed 7,072MW of electricity, according to its energy generation update.

Eskom has been implementing Stage 6 load shedding this week. Stage 8 load shedding requires between 7,001MW and 8,000MW of electricity being shed.

WHY WAS ESKOM QUIET ABOUT THIS?

Sunday Times reports that Eskom’s spokesperson Daphne Mokwena confirmed the utility had shed beyond the 6,000MW, but denied implementing Stage 8 load shedding.

“Basically, we curtailed 1,353MW from those customers on load curtailment and reduced 5,719MW from all other customers, which made up the 7,072MW load,” Mokwena is quoted as having told the publication.

“We refrain from using terminology because the public becomes confused and things we are talking about load reduction that we normally implement when not load-shedding to prevent failing of equipment due to overload,” she added.

Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientso Ramokgopa visited 18 power stations across the country to get an overall picture of the current electricity situation in the country.