South Africa could be heading into a weekend of power cuts as Eskom CEO Dan Marokane warns of a “high risk of load shedding” following multiple unit failures earlier this week. The power utility is currently eating into its emergency reserves to keep the lights on, but Marokane admits this is not sustainable.
This revelation comes as Eskom briefs the Portfolio Committee on Electricity and Energy regarding its 2023/2024 Financial Year Annual Report, where financial losses, infrastructure challenges, and ongoing municipal debt were under discussion.
High Risk of Load Shedding After Unit Failures
During his briefing, Marokane explained that three generation units tripped unexpectedly, leading to significant pressure on Eskom’s ability to meet demand. As a result, the company has been forced to use emergency reserves, but these need to be replenished to avoid a deeper crisis.
“We are running on thin reserves, and there is a high risk that load shedding will need to be implemented over the weekend,” Marokane warned.
What This Means for South Africans
- Load shedding could return as early as Friday evening.
- Eskom may implement up to Stage 4 load shedding if demand continues to exceed available supply.
- If emergency reserves are depleted, power cuts may last longer than usual.
- Businesses and households should prepare for potential power outages.
This is an unfortunate setback, considering that Eskom had achieved nearly 300 days without load shedding due to improved power plant performance and maintenance efforts.
Eskom’s Financial Struggles Continue
Beyond the immediate threat of load shedding, Eskom’s 2023/2024 Financial Year Annual Report revealed deep-rooted financial difficulties.
Eskom’s R55 Billion Loss
Eskom has reported a massive loss of R55 billion for the financial year. The reasons behind this loss include:
- Over 300 days of load shedding in the past year, leading to a decline in electricity sales.
- Soaring diesel costs as Eskom relied heavily on its Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) to generate emergency power.
- Widespread electricity theft and illegal connections.
- Unpaid municipal debts, which have now climbed to an alarming R95 billion.
Municipalities Owe Eskom Billions
The financial strain on Eskom is worsened by non-paying municipalities. Local governments across the country collectively owe Eskom nearly R95 billion, making it difficult for the utility to invest in maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.
“We cannot continue providing electricity without getting paid. Municipalities need to take accountability,” said Marokane.
If this trend continues, Eskom may have to take stricter measures against defaulters, which could lead to service interruptions for affected municipalities.
Related: How to Submit Your Own Electricity Meter Reading for Accurate Billing
What Eskom is Doing to Prevent a Crisis
Despite these challenges, Eskom remains committed to its Generation Recovery Plan, which has been responsible for improved power generation in recent months. The plan focuses on:
- Boosting plant performance through regular maintenance.
- Reducing breakdowns at power stations.
- Increasing electricity generation capacity through new energy projects.
The utility has also set a target to generate a profit of over R10 billion in the next financial year, which, if achieved, could help stabilize its operations.
Will Load Shedding Become the Norm Again?
South Africans had started to enjoy months of stable electricity supply, but the recent announcement raises concerns about whether load shedding is set to return regularly.
While Eskom has improved its performance, unexpected breakdowns continue to be a problem. Experts say that the risk of load shedding remains high, especially as winter demand increases.
Until Eskom can fully stabilize its generation fleet and South Africa increases its renewable energy capacity, power cuts will likely remain a part of daily life.
How to Prepare for Load Shedding This Weekend
With Eskom warning of possible power cuts, it is advisable to take precautionary measures:
- Check load shedding schedules on the Eskom Se Push app or your municipality’s website.
- Charge essential devices such as cell phones, power banks, and rechargeable lights.
- Keep backup lighting like candles, solar lanterns, or battery-powered lights.
- Stock up on non-perishable food in case of extended outages.
- Use gas or alternative cooking methods if you rely on electricity for cooking.
- Plan your work and entertainment around possible blackouts.
Related: Meet Alfred: Introducing Eskom Chatbot for Power Failure Status Checks 24/7
The return of load shedding is a harsh reminder that Eskom’s challenges are far from over. With unit failures putting strain on electricity supply and financial difficulties piling up, South Africans must brace for possible disruptions this weekend and beyond.
While Eskom continues to implement recovery measures, long-term energy solutions are still needed to prevent load shedding from becoming a regular occurrence again.
