Experts also believe that Eskom hasn’t been entirely truthful about its load shedding schedules – Photo: iStock
Experts also believe that Eskom hasn’t been entirely truthful about its load shedding schedules – Photo: iStock
A promise from Eskom isn’t always set in stone, but at this point, we’ll take what we can get. Crippled and demoralised by a punishing round of Stage 6 load shedding last week, South Africa remains lumbered with Stage 4 cuts ‘up until Friday 15 July’. However, hope springs eternal…
When will Eskom end load shedding? Tentative date suggested
That’s because Chief Operating Officer Jan Oberholzer has revealed that Eskom wants to drop load shedding COMPLETELY ‘ten days from now’. Should this vow be honoured, Mzansi would be load shedding free for the first time this month on Thursday 21 July.
During a media briefing held on Monday morning, Oberholzer also stated that ‘large risks remain’ due to the energy grid’s persistent unpredictability. He did, however, hint that SA could ease into Stage 3 by Friday, before a potential end date next week.
Eskom says it intends to lift load shedding in 10 days time. But the power utility says large risks remain due to the unpredictability and unreliability of the system. The unlawful strike has also added to the backlog in maintenance. #Smile904fmnews
— Smile90.4 FM (@Smile904FM) July 11, 2022
Leadership laments ‘obstacles’ to progress
The recent blackouts are the worst sustained periods of load shedding ever experienced in South Africa. Citizens are gatvol with the chaos that has engulfed Eskom, and leading business figures have been calling for CEO Andre de Ruyter’s resignation.
However, both ADR and Oberholzer remain at the helm. The press conference was also used to lambast striking workers, whose industrial action intensified the load shedding schedules. Those who downed tools have been blamed for a delay in bringing key power units back online.
“Eskom’s intention is to lift load shedding in 10 days time. However, large risks remain due to the unpredictability and unreliability of the grid. Six stations were impacted by the unlawful strike, and no maintenance could be performed. The return of Koeberg Unit 2 has also been delayed.”
Jan Oberholzer
