Eskom has announced the suspension of load shedding from 5:00 AM on Wednesday, 26 February 2025, following a successful recovery of generation capacity and emergency reserves. This comes after the power utility implemented stage 6 load shedding over the weekend due to increased demand and supply constraints.
Eskom Replenishes Generation Capacity
The embattled power utility gradually reduced load shedding after ramping it up from stage 3 to stage 6 in the early hours of Sunday morning. Speaking on the latest developments, Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena confirmed that the improved situation allows for a stable power supply.
“Eskom is pleased to announce that load shedding will be suspended from 5:00 AM 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.
Despite this load shedding suspension, Eskom continues to prioritise system reliability through its summer maintenance plan. The utility confirmed that 6,660MW of capacity remains under planned maintenance, ensuring infrastructure readiness for the upcoming winter months.
Eskom CEO Addresses Tariff Hike and Load Shedding Claims
On Monday, Eskom CEO Dan Marokane dismissed allegations that stage 6 load shedding was linked to the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) denying a tariff hike request.
In August 2024, Eskom applied for a 36.15% electricity tariff increase for the 2026 financial year, followed by 11.81% in 2027 and 9.10% in 2028. However, in January 2025, Nersa only approved a 12.7% tariff hike, significantly lower than what Eskom had requested.
Marokane reassured the public that Eskom’s efforts to restore stability are on track, stating that load shedding suspension should hold through the weekend.
“We’ve made tremendous progress since Saturday night. We had brought eight of the 10 units back. Now, we are building up stock on the fuel for the open-cycle gas turbines. We have some more units coming back,” he explained.
What’s Next for South Africans?
While the load shedding suspension provides temporary relief, Eskom continues to navigate infrastructure challenges and energy supply constraints. The utility is expected to provide further updates by Friday, 28 February 2025, or sooner if necessary.
For now, South Africans can enjoy a break from rolling blackouts, but Eskom’s long-term sustainability efforts will determine whether the relief remains in place.
Stay Updated on Load Shedding Schedules
Eskom advises South Africans to stay informed through its official channels for any updates on load shedding. As the utility works to stabilize the power grid, planned maintenance and demand fluctuations could impact supply reliability.
For real-time updates, visit Eskom’s official website or follow their social media platforms.
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