Eskom load shedding to continue for five years? Expert explains

Worrying news: It might be a while before Mzansi comes out of the load-shedding woods. Eskom and South Africa is expected to battle with load shedding for an additional five years, a power expert said on Monday 11 October.

ESKOM LOAD SHEDDING RETURN

As reported by The South African and later felt by Mzansi last weekend, the unwelcome power blackouts were back in reality since Thursday. Unfortunately, the struggle is expected to continue this week. Worse still, for the next five years?

According to the expert Ted Blom, the power supplier has failed to thoroughly restore failing coal power plants.

“It seems to me that Eskom has not maintained the coal power plants properly, that’s where most of the breakdowns seem to be occurring. I think half the fleet has broken,” he said as quoted by East Coast Radio.

The expert says that Eskom is not willing to spend cash restoring the coal power units, which means more load shedding.

“It could have been avoided if the management of Eskom had done as they promised, it would have been avoidable, but given that the management of Eskom has said they won’t spend money on refurbishing the coal power units, I suspect we will going to have lots more load shedding in the next 5 years,” he concluded.

LATEST UPDATE FROM ESKOM

Meanwhile, the power utility has confirmed the latest load shedding news going into the new week. Unfortunately, the power cuts will continue on Monday.

“#Stage2 #loadshedding is currently being implemented. Municipal customers to check schedule with local municipalities,” the statement on Monday morning said.

Meanwhile, Eskom sadly confirmed the power outages will continue at least until Wednesday 13 October. There are few indications the power outages will cease later this week, this month, or in five years for that matter.

Find the load shedding schedule on Eskom’s website here.

ALSO READ: Johannesburg ANC withdraws statement on electricity deal with Eskom