Eskom’s load-shedding forecast for the next few days makes for positive reading as the power utility says rolling power cuts will be suspended tomorrow morning.

Stage 2 load-shedding will resume at 16:00, after load-shedding was suspended at 10:00, and continue until 05:00 tomorrow.

Power utility spokesperson Daphne Mokwena says power cuts will then be halted until 05:00 on Tuesday – when stage 1 load-shedding will be implemented.

She says the reprieve is due to ‘the sustained improved performance of generation availability as well as the anticipated lower demand over the long weekend’.

“During the long weekend, Eskom will address minor defects on some generating units by performing planned maintenance. Eskom will closely monitor the power system and communicate any changes to load-shedding should it be required,” Mokwena explains.

She adds that 14 364MW of generating capacity is currently unavailable due to breakdowns, with a further 5 731MW offline due to planned maintenance.

“Over the past 24 hours, a generating unit each at Arnot and Kendal power stations was taken offline for repairs. The anticipated return to service of a generating unit at Kendal Power Station has been delayed, further contributing to the current capacity constraints,” Mokwena says and urges citizens to continue to reduce demand by switching off non-essential appliances.