Eskom Announces Temporary Suspension of Load Shedding Due to Improved Generation Fleet Performance

Suspension of Load Shedding – Johannesburg, South Africa, October 24, 2023* – In a welcome relief to South Africans, Eskom, the nation’s electricity public utility, has declared a temporary suspension of load shedding until 16:00 on Tuesday, October 24, 2023. This decision is a direct result of the sustained exemplary performance of Eskom’s generation fleet and the full recovery of emergency reserves.

Suspension of Load Shedding and Resumption Schedule:

• Load shedding is suspended until 16:00 on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.
• Stage 1 load shedding will be implemented on Tuesday, starting from 16:00 until 05:00 on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
• Stage 1 load shedding will resume on Wednesday night from 22:00 until 05:00 on Thursday, October 26, 2023.
• A further suspension of load shedding will be in effect until 16:00 on Thursday, at which point Stage 2 load shedding will recommence, lasting until 05:00 on Friday, October 27, 2023.

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Eskom’s decision to temporarily halt load shedding is a response to reduced electricity demand within the country. This development comes as a result of sustained improvements in Eskom’s generation fleet, which have enabled the utility to meet the power requirements of South Africa more effectively.

In their statement, Eskom urged the public to play their part by conserving electricity and reducing demand during critical hours, particularly between 17:00 and 21:00, to ensure a stable power supply.

Eskom at a Glance:

Eskom, founded in 1923 as the Electricity Supply Commission, is South Africa’s largest electricity producer. It is renowned for its significant generation capacity and sales and holds a prominent position among the world’s top utilities. As a state-owned enterprise, Eskom plays a pivotal role in providing power to the nation.

Eskom’s Power Stations:

Eskom operates a number of critical power stations, including:

1. Matimba Power Stations: Located in Lephalale, this power station is essential to South Africa’s energy landscape.
2. Medupi Power Station: Another vital facility in Lephalale, Medupi contributes significantly to the nation’s power supply.
3. Kusile Power Station: Situated in Witbank, Kusile Power Station is a key part of South Africa’s electricity generation.
4. Kendal Power Station: Located in Mpumalanga, Kendal Power Station is an essential part of Eskom’s infrastructure.
5. Koeberg Nuclear Power Station: Situated in the Western Cape, this nuclear power station is not only a critical part of South Africa’s electricity supply but also the sole nuclear power plant in Africa.

This temporary suspension of load shedding brings momentary respite to South Africans, as Eskom continues its efforts to enhance the reliability of the nation’s power grid. By implementing these scheduled load shedding stages, Eskom aims to balance supply and demand efficiently while maintaining the stability of the electrical grid.

FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN THE MAJOR METROS, LOAD SHEDDING SCHEDULES ARE AVAILABLE BELOW:

• City of Johannesburg
• City of Ekurhuleni 
• City of Tshwane 
• City of Cape Town (PDF)
• Nelson Mandela Bay
• eThekwini
• Mangaung
• Buffalo City

To view the Load Shedding Schedule for your area, you can use the load shedding site here.

For the latest updates on load shedding, you can bookmark Eskom’s official page for reference, ensuring that you are informed about any further developments in the power supply situation across the nation.