Load shedding to be suspended from 5am to 4pm this weekend

Eskom has announced a change in the pattern of afternoon-evening load shedding this weekend due to an anticipated reduction in demand.

“As previously communicated, Stage 2 load shedding will continue to be implemented until 8pm today,” the utility said on Friday.

“Thereafter, stage 4 load shedding will be implemented until 5am on Saturday in order to replenish emergency reserves.

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Suspended during the daytime

“Load shedding will then be suspended from 5am on Saturday until 4pm, followed by stage 2 load shedding until 5am on Sunday, when load shedding will be suspended again until 4pm.

“Stage 1 load shedding will be implemented from 4pm on Sunday until further notice.”

The utility provided the following schedule for clarity:

Anticipated lower demand

Eskom said the reduction of loadshedding to lower stages is a result of an anticipated lower weekend electricity demand and the expected return of 1 500 MW generation capacity by Sunday.

“Tonight’s peak demand forecast is 26 027MW. Eskom will publish a further update on Sunday afternoon, or as soon as there are any significant changes.”

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Decline at coal power stations

This comes days after new data from the 600-page report produced by German engineers at the behest of the National Treasury showed just how severe the decline in performance of some of Eskom’s coal-fired power stations has been.

On a percentage basis, the energy availability factor (EAF), or a measure of available capacity, has roughly halved since 2010. 

The three power stations, Tutuka, Duvha, and Kendal, could boost output by about 3 000MW MW—equivalent to three stages of load shedding—if they performed in line with the best-performing large stations in its coal fleet. Together, these three stations are capable of generating 10 000MW.

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Additional reporting by Moneyweb.