South Africans are bracing for another round of power outages as Eskom has announced the implementation of Stage 2 load shedding starting Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 4:00 PM. This measure will remain in effect until 5:00 AM on Friday, April 25, 2025. The announcement came as a response to higher-than-expected electricity demand, coupled with the loss of generation units and extensive planned maintenance, which have put significant strain on the national power grid.
In a statement released by the utility, Eskom acknowledged the challenges it faces, stating, "Given these ongoing constraints, we urge the public to use electricity sparingly to help reduce pressure on the grid." The utility has committed to providing updates as the situation evolves.
This latest round of load shedding follows a brief respite from power cuts, with the last instance occurring on March 19, 2025. During that event, South Africa lost 2,700 megawatts of generation capacity over 14 hours, including the Koeberg Unit 2 which was taken offline, and two units at Kusile that faced operational issues due to adverse weather conditions.
Energy experts have long warned that South Africa's electricity supply remains precarious, particularly as the country approaches winter, a season known for increased demand due to heating needs. Professor Hartmut Winkler, an energy analyst, cautioned that Eskom has been operating close to its limits, stating that any unexpected disruption could easily trigger further outages. His forecasts indicate that intermittent load shedding could persist for another two to three years as Eskom works to stabilize its generation fleet.
Chris Yelland and Anton Eberhard, both respected voices in the energy sector, have also highlighted the difficulties Eskom faces. Eberhard pointed out that the energy availability factor (EAF) has averaged between 55% and 58% this year, significantly below the utility's recovery plan target of 70% by March 2025. From April 1 to April 17, 2025, the year-to-date EAF was recorded at 56.63%, raising concerns about the reliability of the grid as demand increases.
Yelland echoed these concerns, stating, "If EAF does not significantly increase as demand increases with the onset of colder weather, we will likely experience some load shedding." Eskom's maintenance levels currently cover 15.41% of generation capacity, while unplanned outages stand at a troubling 27.48% for the financial year to date.
In light of these challenges, Eskom has been utilizing Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) more heavily, with usage peaking at 10% last week—higher than the 8% recorded last year but still lower than the 30% seen earlier in April 2025. This increased reliance on OCGTs indicates a desperate attempt to meet demand while grappling with ongoing maintenance issues.
As the power utility gears up for winter, it is expected to release its winter outlook soon, outlining anticipated levels of load shedding and various scenarios for the coming months. The last outlook for summer had broadly met expectations, but issues began to arise from February onward.
Dan Marokane, Eskom's group CEO, has reiterated the utility's commitment to preventing a return to the extensive power interruptions experienced in 2023. He stated, "Load shedding is a painful reminder of the past, and situations such as this drive our resolve to double down and stay the course to end load shedding." This sentiment reflects the ongoing frustration among South Africans who have endured years of unreliable electricity supply.
As the country faces another round of load shedding, residents are urged to stay informed and prepared. Eskom's sudden announcement has left many scrambling to adjust their plans, especially as the utility emphasizes the importance of conserving electricity during peak demand periods.
In conclusion, the implementation of Stage 2 load shedding underscores the ongoing challenges facing Eskom and the broader implications for South Africa's energy landscape. With winter approaching and demand expected to rise, the utility's ability to manage its generation capacity will be critical in avoiding further outages and ensuring a stable electricity supply for all South Africans.
