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Eskom Suspends Load Shedding as Generation Capacity Recovers
Eskom has announced the suspension of stage 2 load shedding from 5 a.m. on Wednesday after successfully restoring generation capacity. The move comes after the power utility escalated load shedding to stage 6 in the early hours of Sunday before gradually scaling it down.
Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena confirmed the decision, citing improvements in power supply and emergency reserves.
Also Read: Eskom Lowers Load Shedding to Stage 2 as Power Generation Recovers
“Eskom is pleased to announce that load shedding will be suspended from 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, 26 February 2025. This decision follows the successful recovery of generation capacity and significant progress in replenishing emergency reserves. Although overnight replenishment is still needed, these developments will result in a stable power system,” Mokwena stated.
While the system remains under pressure, Eskom will continue monitoring supply levels and will provide an update on Friday, 28 February, or sooner if necessary.
Mokwena also highlighted that planned maintenance remains at 6,660MW, aligning with Eskom’s summer-period strategy to improve reliability before winter demand surges. The utility has been focusing on preventative maintenance to minimize the risk of severe power cuts in the colder months.
Meanwhile, Eskom CEO Dan Marokane has refuted claims that the recent stage 6 load shedding was linked to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa’s (Nersa) decision on electricity tariffs.
In August, Eskom proposed a 36.15% tariff increase for the 2026 financial year, followed by 11.81% in 2027 and 9.10% in 2028. However, Nersa approved only a 12.7% increase in January, leading to speculation that the power utility escalated load shedding as a pressure tactic.
Marokane dismissed these allegations and assured South Africans that Eskom had made significant strides in stabilizing supply.
“We’ve made tremendous progress since Saturday night. We had brought eight of the ten units back. Now, we are building up stock on the fuel for the open-cycle gas turbines. We have some more units coming back,” Marokane said.
He added that load shedding should remain suspended by the weekend if recovery efforts continue as planned.
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