Eskom Issues Load Shedding Warning Again

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Power utility Eskom has issued an urgent warning about a high risk of load shedding at short notice, following the breakdown of several generation units. The alert was issued on the evening of 24 March after a series of technical failures occurred within a 12-hour period.

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According to Eskom, six generation units were taken offline, placing the national power grid under severe pressure and prompting the use of emergency energy reserves.

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“If an additional 800MW is lost, we will be compelled to implement Stage 2 load shedding at short notice,” Eskom stated. “Efforts are underway to return seven generation units to service between the evening peak and 25 March evening.”

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The utility confirmed that teams are closely monitoring the situation and that further updates would be provided by 22:00, or earlier if necessary.

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Despite the current strain, there have been signs of progress in Eskom’s efforts to stabilise the grid. On 23 March, Unit 6 of Kusile Power Station in Mpumalanga was successfully synchronised with the national grid. The power utility described the development as a significant milestone in its strategy to add 2,500MW of capacity by March 2025.

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“This marks a crucial step towards completing one of South Africa’s largest infrastructure projects,” Eskom noted.

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Once fully operational, Kusile Power Station is expected to contribute 4,800MW to the national grid, reinforcing its status as the country’s largest infrastructure investment.

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Meanwhile, Medupi Power Station—Kusile’s sister facility—is set to return Unit 4 to service by the end of April 2025, following repairs to a generator stator fault. The unit is expected to provide an additional 800MW.

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While these developments signal long-term gains, Eskom has urged South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly. Load shedding remains a real and ongoing risk.

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The utility has come under mounting criticism for its handling of the power crisis, with rolling blackouts severely affecting daily life and the economy.

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Eskom maintains that its long-term focus remains on stabilising the grid and ensuring reliable electricity for all South Africans.

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