Eskom has announced the suspension of load shedding as sufficient supply has been restored to its reserves.
Load shedding, which reached stage 3 on Friday, was lifted at 06h00 on Sunday.
Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena said the power utility has fully replenished dam levels and restored open-cycle gas turbines, ensuring a stable supply.
“Five coal-fired generation units, adding a total of 2,930MW to the grid, have been successfully repaired and returned to service,” said Mokwena, adding that an additional 2,391MW is expected to come online on Sunday.
“Due to the sufficient replenishment of emergency reserves, load shedding was suspended in the morning. Eskom will provide updates if any significant changes occur.
“Eskom attributed the recent reintroduction of load shedding to a series of challenges, including breakdowns of six units at key power stations early in the week, delays in unit repairs, and ongoing maintenance efforts. These factors necessitated reliance on open-cycle gas turbines, depleting reserves that required time to replenish for the upcoming week.”
On Sunday, Electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa also took to social media X, and said load-shedding has been officially suspended from 06:00 on Sunday morning.
“This has been achieved through the relentless efforts of our dedicated teams at Eskom,” said Ramokgopa.
“I want to take a moment to sincerely apologize for the disruptions and challenges that load-shedding has imposed on your daily lives. The frustration and difficulties you have faced can never be normalised.”
“I therefore wish to assure you that we remain committed to ensuring that load-shedding is permanently behind us through our continued and tireless efforts to deliver reliable, affordable, and accessible electricity for all.”
INSIDE POLITICS
