Stage 2 Loadshedding Returns for Evening Peaks Until Thursday

13 May 2025

Eskom has announced the implementation of Stage 2 loadshedding during evening peak hours (16:00-22:00) starting today, 13 May 2025, and continuing until Thursday, 15 May 2025.

Why Loadshedding Has Returned

The power utility cited two main factors behind this decision:

• Delayed return of generation units amounting to 3,120MW from planned maintenance
• Additional loss of 1,385MW in the past 24 hours due to unplanned breakdowns

These combined issues have pushed the unplanned capacity loss factor (UCLF) to temporarily exceed 13,000MW, a scenario that aligns with the risk assessment Eskom presented in its Winter 2025 Outlook.

Impact of Maintenance Cycle

According to Eskom, the utility is currently emerging from an intensive maintenance cycle. While this maintenance is necessary for long-term system reliability, it temporarily reduces the grid's flexibility and resilience, making it more vulnerable to unexpected disruptions.

This maintenance-related constraint coincides with the unplanned breakdowns, creating conditions that necessitate loadshedding during the high-demand evening periods.

Management Response

Group Chief Executive Dan Marokane stated that Eskom's new Operational Excellence Programme is central to restoring performance. The utility is reportedly:

• Reinforcing oversight mechanisms
• Strengthening accountability frameworks
• Aligning service providers with stricter performance standards

"We are determined to build on the progress already achieved. The delays in returning units are being addressed with urgency by senior leadership," Marokane added.

System Outlook

Despite the current implementation of loadshedding, Eskom maintains that the system is in a significantly stronger position compared to previous winters. The utility claims that in the past financial year, 96% of its generating capacity was available, compared to just 9% in the previous year.

Eskom also reports that three major projects are on track to bring an additional 2,500MW onto the grid. This capacity addition is characterized as a crucial milestone toward full system recovery.

However, as South Africa enters the higher-demand winter season, the system will likely remain under pressure, particularly during evening peaks when household electricity usage rises significantly.

Key Terms Explained

UCLF (Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor): This refers to the percentage of generating capacity that becomes unavailable due to unexpected breakdowns or failures. When Eskom mentions 13,000MW of unplanned capacity loss, it means power stations that should be generating electricity are offline due to technical problems that weren't scheduled.

MW (Megawatt): A unit of power. For context, 1,000MW can supply approximately 650,000 homes with electricity. The 3,120MW of delayed units plus 1,385MW of new breakdowns represents enough electricity to power roughly 2.9 million homes.

Evening Peak: The period (typically 5pm-9pm) when electricity demand is highest as households use electricity for cooking, heating, and lighting simultaneously. During winter, this peak is more pronounced and puts additional strain on the power system.

Generation Unit: A single electricity-producing unit within a power station. Most Eskom power stations have multiple units (typically 4-6), each capable of generating between 500-800MW.