Johannesburg – Eskom is reducing load-shedding to Stage 4 from midday today, (Sunday 26 November 2023).
“The implementation of Stage 6 load-shedding over the past few days has allowed the replenishment of the emergency reserves at our pumped storage and Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) power stations,” said Eskom in a Power Alert on Sunday morning.
“Due to this improvement, load-shedding will be reduced to Stage 4 from 12:00 (midday) until 05:00 on Monday.
“Thereafter, Stage 3 load-shedding will be implemented from 05:00 until 16:00 on Monday, followed by Stage 4 load-shedding from 16:00 until 05:00 on Tuesday.”
The power utility said this pattern of implementing Stage 3 load-shedding in the morning and Stage 4 load-shedding in the evening will be repeated daily until Thursday.
Eskom said it will closely monitor the power system and communicate any changes to load-shedding should it be required.
“Unplanned outages are currently at 15 386MW of generating capacity, while the capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 5 617MW,” said Eskom.
“Approximately 2 500MW of generating capacity is anticipated to return to service by Tuesday evening.
“Eskom teams are working tirelessly to ensure that this additional generating units are returned to service as soon as possible.”
Eskom’ said its load forecast for the evening peak demand is 25 989MW.
“We would like to thank those who do heed the call to use electricity sparingly and efficiently, including switching off geysers and pool pumps from 17:00 to 21:00, as this lowers demand and helps in alleviating the pressure on the power system and contributes to lower stages of load-shedding,” Eskom said.
