South Africans woke up to a slight relief as Eskom announced a reduction in load shedding from Stage 6 to Stage 4 just after midnight. The power utility’s spokesperson, Daphne Mokwena, confirmed the adjustment, stating that it will remain in effect until further notice.
This comes after Eskom successfully restored eight out of ten generation units that had unexpectedly tripped over the weekend. These include:
- Five units at Majuba
- Two units at Camden
- One unit at Medupi
Additionally, Eskom reported steady progress in replenishing emergency reserves, which has contributed to the reduction in load shedding severity.
Learn More: Top 5 Load Shedding Notifier Apps to Keep You Informed
Why the Sudden Improvement?
According to Mokwena, the recent power failures were purely technical and unrelated to sabotage. The affected units suffered electrical and control system issues in auxiliary parts, but Eskom engineers were able to identify and resolve the root causes efficiently.
Eskom’s Generation Operational Recovery Plan appears to be yielding positive results, ensuring a more stable electricity supply.
Massive Diesel Savings Amidst Load Shedding Adjustments
One of the most significant achievements Eskom has highlighted is its ability to suspend load shedding for a total of 323 days between April 1, 2024, and February 20, 2025. This remarkable progress has led to an estimated R17.25 billion in diesel savings.
For years, Eskom has relied heavily on diesel-powered Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) to support generation capacity during crises. These turbines are extremely costly to operate, and reducing their use translates into massive financial relief for the state-owned power utility.
Minister of Energy Responds to the Situation
During a media briefing on Sunday, Minister of Energy and Electricity, Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, addressed the recent load shedding crisis, expressing regret for the inconvenience caused.
He dismissed rumors that sabotage was responsible for the breakdowns, reinforcing that the technical failures were not the result of deliberate interference. The minister assured the public that Eskom’s technical teams were working tirelessly to prevent similar issues in the future.
Related: Eskom Warned on Load Shedding Risks Despite Saving R16.3 Billion in Diesel Costs
What Does This Mean for South Africans?
Although Stage 4 load shedding is still disruptive, it is significantly better than Stage 6, where power cuts occur more frequently and for longer periods. Some of the benefits of this reduction include:
- Shorter power outages: Households and businesses will experience fewer and shorter power interruptions.
- Reduced strain on businesses: Industries reliant on continuous power supply, such as manufacturing and retail, will have improved operational stability.
- Eased impact on daily life: Schools, hospitals, and essential services will have more manageable disruptions.
However, South Africans remain cautious, as Eskom’s recovery has often been followed by new breakdowns. The public is urged to continue using electricity sparingly to avoid further strain on the grid.
How to Prepare for Load Shedding: Practical Tips
Even though load shedding has been reduced to Stage 4, power outages are still a reality. Here are some practical tips to help individuals and businesses cope more effectively:
For Households:
- Keep backup lighting ready – Invest in rechargeable lights, solar lamps, or battery-operated torches.
- Charge essential devices – Ensure phones, power banks, and emergency lights are fully charged before scheduled outages.
- Use gas for cooking – A gas stove or a small portable gas cooker can be a lifesaver during power cuts.
- Store water – Some areas experience water supply disruptions due to load shedding affecting pumping stations. Keep a supply of clean water.
- Invest in surge protectors – Protect your appliances from power surges when the electricity is restored.
- Plan meals ahead – Prepare food that does not require refrigeration or reheating.
For Businesses:
- Use alternative power sources – Consider solar panels, inverters, or generators to maintain operations during outages.
- Have a power outage plan – Assign backup tasks for employees to do when there is no electricity.
- Ensure data backup – Use cloud storage and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems to protect sensitive work data.
- Communicate with customers – Let clients know how load shedding may impact your service delivery.
- Reduce dependency on electricity – Where possible, shift business hours or automate processes to operate during power availability.
The Road Ahead: Can Eskom Sustain the Momentum?
While this reduction in load shedding is a step in the right direction, the question remains: Can Eskom maintain this stability?
The power utility is expected to provide further updates on the country’s electricity situation in the coming days. The focus will now be on:
- Improving long-term reliability: Preventing further unit trips and ensuring that restored units remain operational.
- Investing in maintenance and upgrades: Strengthening infrastructure to reduce unexpected failures.
- Exploring alternative energy solutions: Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, must play a bigger role in South Africa’s electricity mix.
As the country watches Eskom’s next move, public trust in the power utility remains fragile. Only time will tell whether these recent improvements signal a true turning point or just another temporary fix.
