Stage 2 rotational loadshedding, then at 09:00 Stage 4 will be implemented

Eskom is currently implementing Stage 2 rotatianonal loadshedding.

Stage 4 will be implemented from 09:00 and will continue until 23:00 on Wednesday, March 20. This is due to a shortage of capacity.

During the media briefing that was held on Tuesday, March 19 on Eskom loadshedding a question was asked, “what will happen beyond stage 4 load shedding? The response was that additional stages are in place as a contingency measure to ensure the operatibility and integrity of the power system (ie Stages 5-8).

The response was intended to indicate that Eskom will remain in control of the system through these additional contingency schedules.

Scheduled load shedding allows critical loads such as hospitals and deep level mines to be managed and allow customers in general to know when they will be shed.

This whilst also ensuring that the system is protected against a national blackout.

The response was certainly not to indicate that Eskom is formally planning to implement stages 5 or beyond – but merely to indicate that the necessary contingency planning is in place.

Eskom can confirm that it is equally concerning that stage 4 loadshedding has been reached, given the impact on the country.

Eskom is doing everything in its power to improve system performance.