By Nozibusiso Mazibuko
Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa has linked this week’s stage 2 load shedding to increased planned maintenance, now at record levels, saying the disruptions are part of improving long-term grid reliability. Load shedding, from 16:00 to 22:00 until Thursday, comes amid unit breakdowns and delays in returning generators to service.
Speaking during a media briefing on Wednesday, Ramokgopa acknowledged the strain on citizens but insisted the short-term inconvenience would lead to longer-term energy benefits.
“The country will experience short-term pain for long-term gain,” he said.
Winter load shedding outlook is better than 2024
Despite the load shedding, Ramokgopa expressed confidence in the country’s energy outlook heading into winter. He noted that supply projections for the colder months remain unchanged and highlighted several improvements in generation capacity compared to 2024.
Among the key developments is progress at Koeberg Nuclear Power Station. Unit 2 has been successfully synchronised to the grid, boosting output. Although Unit 1 remains offline, it is expected to return by July when demand peaks.
“We are entering this winter in a better position than last year,” said Ramokgopa.
He also pointed to Kusile Power Station’s Unit 6, which added 800 megawatts to the grid after being synchronised on March 26.
“We didn’t have the benefits of these 800 megawatts when we entered the winter of 2024,” he said.
Funding Secured for Grid Improvements
Ramokgopa further addressed the R252 billion Treasury allocation earmarked for the energy sector over the next three years. A major share of this funding is directed at restoring and upgrading Eskom’s aging fleet to improve generation reliability.
“We have invested it in the replenishing and refurbishing of our generation units so that we can have the benefits of uninterrupted power supply,” he said.
The minister confirmed that Eskom will reassess the current energy situation and provide an update on Thursday, amid ongoing pressure to stabilise the power grid.
