Eskom load-shedding break continues

Eskom has announced that its load-shedding suspension will continue until further notice after nine consecutive days of no power cuts.

In a statement on Friday, 5 April 2024, the power utility said the extended load-shedding break could be attributed to sustained available generation capacity and adequate emergency reserves.

Eskom said it would provide a further update on Sunday, 7 April 2024, or as soon as any significant changes occur. It anticipates a peak demand of 25,465MW on Friday evening.

The power utility started the load-shedding suspension at 16:00 on Tuesday, 27 March 2024, which it said was possible due to lower anticipated demand over the long weekends towards the end of March.

It initially only planned to suspend load-shedding until 16:00 on Sunday, 31 March. However, it extended the break in an update on that Sunday afternoon.

The utility said the continued break in power cuts was possible due to sustained available generation capacity, adequate emergency reserves, and anticipated lower demand at the beginning of the week ahead.

It announced a further extension on Wednesday, 3 April 2024.

“Load-shedding will remain suspended until further notice, following non-implementation for over a week,” said Eskom.

“This results from sustained available generation capacity, adequate emergency reserves, and anticipated moderate demand for the week ahead.”