In a media call on Sunday, chairman Mpho Makwana confirmed that Eskom will implement permanent loadshedding for the next two years.
Makwana warned that in the next 24 months South Africans will experience continuous stage 2 to stage 3 power cuts.
“We want to create some predictability. Shuttling from one stage to the other is never good,” said Makwana.
This permanent loadshedding is part of Eskom’s plan to increase its Energy Availability Factor (EAF). The goal is for the EAF to be at a point where it could stop loadshedding within the next 24 months.
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“The global average for EAF is about 86%. We’re looking to grow from our current 58% EAF to 70% in the next two years,” said Makwana.
The hoped growth is likely to happen in stages, with the goal being the EAF reaching 60% by the end of March this year, growing to 65% by the end of March 2024 and finally reaching 70% at the end of March 2025.
Makwana urged all South Africans to individually assist with the power crisis by using power mindfully and sparingly.
Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter, in response to the speculation of stage 8 loadshedding, added that this is not a likely scenario.
“The possibility of stage 8 load-shedding is receding, which is comforting and positive. However, there is always an inherent risk, and for that purpose, we have to protect our diesel reserves,” said De Ruyter.
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