Power utility Eskom has warned that the power system remains under constraint despite having recovered sufficiently to suspend all load shedding.

Eskom brought load shedding to a halt on Sunday evening following a tumultuous week for the energy giant where it lost at least 20 000MW of generation capacity – forcing it to implement the more stringent Stage 4 load shedding.

“The system will remain constrained today and Tuesday and it is expected that extensive use of emergency reserves will be required ahead of the units returning. Eskom, therefore, requests the assistance of all South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly,” said Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha.

Eskom said although load shedding has an impact on all sectors, it remains a necessary tool for the power supplier.

“Eskom takes its mandate of supplying electricity to South Africa seriously and is fully aware of the impact load shedding is having on the whole country. Unfortunately, at times, it becomes necessary to implement load shedding in order to protect the system and prevent a blackout,” he said.

Eskom said the suspension of load shedding was as a result of steady recovery in both generating capacity and emergency reserves.