JUST IN: Load shedding REDUCED to stage 1 on Friday

Eskom has moved to downgrade stage 2 load shedding to stage 1 on Friday, 13 May 2022 at 17:00 until 22:00.

The ailing power utility has attributed the move to some improvement in generation capacity – but don’t put away those candles just yet as the probability of load shedding this weekend remains.

“Due to some recovery in the generation capacity this afternoon, Stage 1 loadshedding will be implemented from 17:00 until 22:00 tonight. Barring any significant breakdowns, there is a low probability of loadshedding being implemented during the weekend,” said Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha.

Eskom has been carrying out load shedding during the evening peak since Monday as it struggles to meet the demand for power. The latest announcement by the parastatal comes just hours after it had notified citizens about the implementation of stage 2.

MORE GENERATING UNITS TO RETURN TO SERVICE THIS WEEKEND

The utility says generating units at its Kusile and Majuba power stations returned to service, while units at Camden and Kriel power stations were taken offline for repairs.

Mantshantsha says they currently have 2 094MW on planned maintenance, while another 15 997MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.

“While we expect more generating units to return to service over the weekend, Eskom appeals to all South Africans to help us limit the impact of loadshedding by reducing the usage of electricity and to switch off all non-essential items”

Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha

In addition, South Africans have been reminded that load shedding is only implemented as a last resort meant to protect the grid.