Just as loadshedding started feeling like a distant memory, Eskom steps in to remind us to always be on guard. That’s right, folks, the rolling blackouts are back.
According to its latest power alert, Eskom announced that Stage 2 loadshedding will take effect during evening peak periods (between 4pm and 10pm), from today until Thursday evening, in an effort to manage limited generation capacity and ensure continued supply during the working days.
‘This decision follows the delayed return of generation units amounting to 3 120MW, as well as an additional loss of 1 385MW in the past 24 hours due to unplanned breakdowns,’ explains Eskom.
‘The primary reason for this setback is the delay in returning several units from planned maintenance. These delays, coupled with an unplanned capacity loss that has now temporarily exceeded 13 000MW, align with the risk scenarios shared in our Winter 2025 Outlook.’
The power station added that it is currently emerging from an intensive maintenance cycle, which is essential for long-term reliability but temporarily reduces system flexibility and resistence.
‘As a result, the grid is more sensitive to unexpected disruptions,’ said Eskom, who ‘sincerely apologise[d] for the inconvenience this causes’.
Eskom will implement #Stage2 loadshedding during evening peak periods from today at 16:00 until 22:00 on Thursday to ensure supply during working days pic.twitter.com/voim40qFLL
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) May 13, 2025
Offering much reprieve for some residents, the City of Cape Town announced that there will be no loadshedding for City-supplied customers.
It must be noted, however, that this is subject to rapid change with updates to follow, the City warned.
13 May 2025 – No load-shedding for City-supplied customers
Eskom Stage 2 load-shedding active 13 to 15 May.
City protecting where feasible.Updates to follow, subject to rapid change.#CTInfo pic.twitter.com/QPRBaW5PWb
— City of Cape Town (@CityofCT) May 13, 2025
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Picture: Anthony Indraus / Unsplash
