Load-shedding will be implemented this weekend as Eskom works to return power units back to service amid strike action at the power utility.

Jan Oberholzer, Eskom COO, said during a media briefing this morning that the illegal strike action is costing the power system about 2 500 MW, in other words three stages of load-shedding.

Another 2 600 MW is at risk of being lost due to a lack of operators at work.

He however reassured the public that the power system remains stable and predictable.

Eskom’s management team provides an update on the current system challenges. https://t.co/vg6MYPu5fT

— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) July 1, 2022

“From a customer perspective it may appear that the power system is in danger of collapsing or blackout, but because the supply and demand is balanced and maintained, and sufficient reserve is held back, the system remains stable and of no higher risk than normal,” Oberholzer said.

“Operations have not recovered sufficiently at our power stations, hampering efforts to return generators to service. This will necessitate the need to implement stage 6 from 16:00 to 22:00 today.”

The schedule for load-shedding this weekend is as follows:

Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3

• Stage 2 will be implemented from 00:00 – 07:00
• Stage 4 will be implemented from 07:00 – 00:00

“Eskom appeals to its employees to put the people of South Africa first, respect the law and to resist from illegal and undemocratic conduct,” Oberholzer said.