Eskom extends load-shedding break

Eskom says load-shedding will remain suspended until further notice due to sustained available generation capacity and adequate emergency reserves.

It expects an additional 1,150MW of generating capacity to return to service by the evening of Monday, 8 April 2024.

“Load-shedding will remain suspended until further notice. This decision comes after 11 consecutive days without load-shedding, owing to sustained available generation capacity and adequate emergency reserves,” it said.

The power utility added that tonight’s evening peak demand is expected to reach 25,224MW. It said it would provide a system update on Wednesday, 10 April, or as soon as any significant changes occur.

Eskom initially suspended load-shedding at 16:00 on Tuesday, 27 March 2024, owing to anticipated lower demand over the long weekends towards the end of the month.

The suspension was only expected to last until 16:00 on Sunday the same week. However, Eskom extended the load-shedding break instead.

The following extension came 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.”

Another extension followed on Friday, 5 April 2024, with Eskom giving a similar explanation.