Eskom has issued a stark warning regarding the heightened risk of load shedding after the loss of six generation units in just 12 hours. On Monday evening, March 24, 2025, the South African power utility cautioned that load shedding could be implemented at short notice, even though Stage 2 load shedding was not activated on that day. This situation follows a brief reprieve from load shedding just a week prior, raising concerns about the reliability of electricity supply ahead of the winter months.
According to Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena, the system remains constrained as efforts to restore stability continue. "While we managed to keep the system stable, it remains constrained and load shedding may still be implemented at short notice if necessary," Mokwena stated. Currently, one of the six affected generation units has been brought back online, but the ongoing reliance on emergency reserves remains a strain on the grid.
This past week’s breakdown marked a difficult turn of events for Eskom, which had been recovering from previous outages. Earlier this month, the utility had announced the suspension of load shedding, only for the situation to deteriorate with the recent unit failures. The importance of stability is amplified now as winter approaches, a season notorious for increased electricity demand.
Further emphasizing the importance of reliability, Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa expressed deep disappointment over Eskom's recent performance. Following an inspection of several power stations, Ramokgopa noted that "clearly, we have become complacent. It can’t be normal; it can’t be that we are reversing the gains that we have accumulated over time.” His comments reflect a growing concern not only from government officials but also from the public who have come to expect consistent power supply.
In a broader context, energy experts have begun to assess why Eskom has faced significant challenges in recent weeks. Prof. Vally Padayachee, an energy expert and former Eskom executive, shared insights into the situation following the unexpected loss of five generation units. “The loss of five generating units before and during this Wednesday evening peak period necessitated the implementation of Stage 2 load shedding for 10-and-a-half hours overnight,” he elaborated.
Notably, some of the unit failures were linked to cross-border issues stemming from the Cahora Bassa hydro-dam in Mozambique. This factor highlights the integrated nature of South Africa’s energy infrastructure and its dependence on neighboring countries for stable supply. As such dependencies exist, the ability of Eskom to manage its internal operations also proves critical.
Ruse Moleshe, managing director of RUBK, remarked on the necessity of bolstering Eskom’s capabilities through private partnerships and regional cooperation. He pointed out that substantial load shedding can likely be alleviated if adequate reserve capacity is maintained. Moleshe indicated, "The President's Energy Action Plan to help address supply constraints in the country aims to tap into private and regional capacity to augment Eskom efforts, but this has not been realized due to a number of reasons, including local and regional transmission bottlenecks.”
The growing uncertainties surrounding Eskom must be viewed against the backdrop of a harsh winter ahead. The demand for electricity sharply rises during these months, prompting Eskom to manage its anticipated load with meticulous planning. The Minister mentioned that Eskom will publish its winter outlook in the coming weeks, which is expected to provide further insights into how the utility aims to navigate potential challenges.
As Eskom continues its recovery plan, many are cautious of the future. Mokwena reiterated, "We maintain our position that load shedding is largely behind us due to structural improvements in the generation fleet,” albeit acknowledging the existing threats of breakdowns. The ongoing maintenance efforts parallel the urgency to stabilize the system before winter takes hold.
While the outlook for Eskom may demonstrate signs of hopeful improvements, dissatisfaction remains palpable among consumers and government officials. South Africans, who have faced chronic power shortages, should not accept load-shedding as a normal occurrence, as asserted by Minister Ramokgopa. His continuous advocacy for efficient electricity management underscores a societal expectation that places duty on Eskom to fulfill its promise of reliable power supply.
With these complex challenges ahead, there remains an imperative for Eskom to enhance its overall capacity and that of its generation system. As stakeholders closely monitor the developments, the consensus is clear: a collaborative effort is required to turn the tide and ensure that South Africa's energy supply is reliable during the months of increased demand. Authorities emphasize that while Eskom plays a pivotal role, a multifaceted approach involving various players must come into play to secure the future of energy stability in the country.
