Eskom Reintroduces Stage 2 Loadshedding Amid Generation Constraints
- Karen Scheepers
- May 13
- 2 min read
South Africa's power utility Eskom has announced the implementation of Stage 2 loadshedding during evening peak hours, starting today and continuing until Thursday, 15 May 2025. The scheduled outages will occur daily from 16:00 to 22:00 in a strategic effort to stabilize limited generation capacity and maintain electricity supply during the upcoming workdays.
Generation Setbacks Lead to Renewed Power Cuts
The decision comes in response to significant setbacks in Eskom’s generation recovery efforts. According to the power utility, the delayed return of several generating units, compounded by unplanned breakdowns, has resulted in a temporary capacity loss exceeding 13,000 megawatts (MW). Specifically, Eskom cited the delayed return of 3,120MW worth of generation capacity and a further unplanned loss of 1,385MW within the past 24 hours.
This disruption, Eskom clarified, is primarily attributed to the extended timeline required for completing scheduled maintenance on key infrastructure. These delays are further exacerbated by unforeseen technical failures, aligning with risk scenarios outlined in the utility’s Winter 2025 Outlook.
Grid Fragility Amid Maintenance Cycle
Eskom stated that the grid is emerging from a period of intensive maintenance, an essential process for long-term reliability but one that currently limits flexibility. “The grid is more sensitive to unexpected disruptions,” the statement read, emphasizing the challenges of balancing short-term disruptions with long-term resilience.
Despite the current pressures, Eskom stressed that the system is in a relatively stronger position compared to previous winters. In the last financial year, the utility reported that 96% of its generation capacity was operational, an impressive rebound from just 9% a year prior.
Commitment to Recovery and Operational Reform
Acknowledging the ongoing public frustration, Eskom extended its apologies for the inconvenience caused. “Our teams continue to work with determination and professionalism to stabilise the system,” the statement affirmed.
Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane highlighted the role of Eskom’s new Operational Excellence Programme in reinforcing accountability and improving service delivery. “We are reinforcing oversight, aligning service providers with stricter performance standards, and strengthening our systems,” said Marokane. He emphasized that senior leadership is addressing the setbacks with urgency and focus.
A Promising Yet Cautious Outlook
Although the reintroduction of loadshedding is a setback for households and businesses alike, Eskom remains optimistic about the broader trajectory. With structural improvements taking root, the utility assures stakeholders that these are temporary measures aligned with a well-defined recovery plan.
As the country braces for the cold winter months, Eskom’s message is clear: short-term discomfort is being strategically managed to secure long-term energy security.
For media enquiries:
Eskom Media Desk
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