The lower stages of load shedding over the past week are due, in part, to improved plant performance as well as lower winter maintenance and lower demand.
The Eskom board had hoped to reach an average of 60% EAF by 31 March. Given the unpredictability of the Eskom plant, it is too early to assume a permanent improvement. While Eskom had managed to avoid load shedding during the day, reinstating Stage 4 only for the peak and evening, the loss of two units on Friday morning would, unfortunately, require Stage 1 load shedding during the day on Saturday and Sunday. Stage 4 load shedding would kick in at 16:00 on both days.