South Africans will experience ongoing load-shedding, probably at stage 2 and 3, for the next two years.

This was announced by Eskom’s chairman, Mpho Makwana, today during a media briefing.

Makwana said load-shedding will be implemented to give sufficient space for maintenance.

The load-shedding schedule for the next few days is as follows:

• Stage 3: 16:00 today until 05:00 tomorrow (Monday)
• Stage 2: 05:00 until 16:00 on tomorrow (Monday)
• Stage 4: 16:00 tomorrow until 05:00 on Tuesday.
• Stage 1: 05:00 until 16:00 on Tuesday and then daily until further notice.
• Stage 3: 16:00 until 05:00 on Tuesday evening until further notice.

#Eskom #MediaStatement

Eskom appreciates the difficulties experienced by the public because of persistent loadshedding, we are working tirelessly to reduce the amount of loadshedding pic.twitter.com/owFWp9G9Wu

— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) January 22, 2023

Eskom said six generating units are anticipated to return to service during the week which will enable them to maintain load-shedding at the lower stages.

“There is considerable risk to this outlook as the coal plant is highly unreliable and unpredictable. Should further significant breakdowns occur, Eskom would be required to change the stage of load shedding at short notice,” they said.

They said it was important that everyone uses electricity sparingly, particularly during the evening peak hours.

The power utility said the National Energy Crises Committee was working with them to implement demand management measures, including incentives for load shifting, feed-in tariffs and other efficiency measures.