Although lower stages of load-shedding are possible in the coming week, South Africans must prepare themselves as load-shedding is set to be a common occurrence in 2023.

During a media briefing today, outgoing Eskom CEO André de Ruyter said the system capacity is likely to remain constrained for the year to come. He apologised for load-shedding and the disruptive effect it has on the economy.

South Africa reached new lows with increased load-shedding over the past few weeks. Three units failed at Kusile and vital but high maintenance levels were named the culprits for stage 6 blackouts.

De Ruyter said that maintenance is vital but that winter months will see a reduction in maintenance to accommodate higher electricity demand.

He also touched on the fact that municipal debt currently stands at R57b and pleaded with consumers to pay for what they use.

Eskom says the outlook for the next few weeks are much rosier but not without blackouts. Currently, stage 2 load-shedding is implemented from 05:00 to 16:00 and stage 4 from 16:00 to 05:00, daily.

Indications are that on Tuesday, load-shedding will be reduced to stage 1 during the day and stage 3 during evening peak hours.

Both De Ruyter and Eskom COO Jan Oberholzer however warned that the system is very unpredictable, and the load-shedding status might change at short notice.

De Ruyter pleaded with South Africans to work together to reduce electricity consumption, especially during peak evening hours. He said if millions of people put in a concerted effort by making small changes like only boiling the water you need and not a full kettle, it will have a positive effect.