Eskom Suspends Load Shedding After Recovery of Over 2,000 MW in Generation Capacity

South Africa’s power utility Eskom has announced the suspension of Stage 2 load shedding, which was implemented unexpectedly on Thursday afternoon. The rolling blackouts were lifted at midnight on Thursday, following a recovery in power generation and a decline in electricity demand.

Why Load Shedding Was Suspended

According to Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena, the decision to suspend load shedding came after approximately 2,015 MW of generation capacity was restored, emergency reserves were replenished, and overall electricity demand dropped.

“Following the recovery of approximately 2,015 MW of generation capacity, an expected decline in electricity demand, and sufficient emergency reserves, load shedding was suspended at midnight,” Mokwena said.

Ongoing Maintenance and Winter Readiness

Eskom noted that planned maintenance activities are still ongoing across the system. These efforts are part of the utility’s strategy to prepare for increased electricity demand during winter, while also meeting regulatory requirements and environmental standards.

“Our team remains committed to restoring approximately 6,000 MW to service by next Tuesday,” Mokwena added. “This is critical to ensuring system stability going into the colder months.”

What to Expect Next

Eskom confirmed it will release a Power Alert later today and will communicate any further updates as needed. While the temporary suspension of load shedding is a welcome relief for South Africans, Eskom urged the public to continue using electricity sparingly to support grid stability.

The Bigger Picture

The brief return of load shedding earlier this week highlighted the fragility of South Africa’s electricity system, which remains under strain due to aging infrastructure, breakdowns, and a tight maintenance schedule.

Although the power utility has made strides in stabilising generation capacity, load shedding may still be reintroduced at short notice, especially during peak winter periods.

{Source: IOL}

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