Eskom announces Stage 2 load shedding

Power utility Eskom has announced that Stage 2 will be implemented on Tuesday evening, running through to Thursday.

Load shedding will start at 16h00 on Tuesday, 13 May, and be in effect over the peak periods until 22h00 on Thursday, 15 May 2025.

Eskom confirmed that this will be over the peak periods only:

• Tuesday, 13 May: 16h00 to 22h00
• Wednesday, 14 May: 16h00 to 22h00
• Thursday, 15 May: 16h00 to 22h00

The utility said that this is in order to manage limited generation capacity and ensure continued supply during the working days.

It also comes as a result of 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.

“The primary reason for this setback is the delay in returning several units from planned maintenance,” Eskom said.

“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.”

Presenting its winter outlook earlier this month, Eskom warned that if outages exceed 13,000MW, load shedding would have to be implemented.

Its base case was for no load shedding, but the ‘worst case’ scenario makes provision for 21 days of load shedding, not exceeding stage 2.

“Eskom is currently emerging from an intensive maintenance cycle, which is essential for longterm reliability but temporarily reduces system flexibility and resilience.”

“As a result, the grid is more sensitive to unexpected disruptions. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this causes,” Eskom said.

The group said that its teams are working to stablise and strengthen the electricity grid and noted significant success in this regard.

Despite multiple load shedding incidents this year, starting in February, the frequency of outages have decreased when compared to previous years, it said.

The utlity stressed that the system is in a significantly stronger position than in past winters, and that in the past financial year, 96% of generating capacity was available, compared to just 9% in previous year.

It added that it is also continuing to expand capacity.

“Three major Eskom projects are on track to bring an additional 2,500MW onto the grid — a crucial milestone toward full recovery, with commitment from our private sector partners to deliver.”

Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane said the group is reinforcing oversight, strengthening accountability, and aligning service providers with stricter performance standards.

“The recent setbacks impacted our operational performance and have been acknowledged in our Winter Outlook, along with a clear recovery plan.”

“We are determined to build on the progress already achieved. The delays in returning units are being addressed with urgency by senior leadership,” Marokane said.

Eskom said it will continue to monitor the system closely and provide updates as conditions evolve.