Eskom stage 3 load shedding this week. Eskom, the South African power utility, has announced the implementation of Stage 3 load shedding this week, with power cuts expected to worsen during the winter months. Experts warn of intensified load shedding, with some predicting stage 8 cuts and years of ongoing power outages. Stay informed with Eskom’s load shedding schedules and the EskomSePush app.
Power utility Eskom has announced that stage load shedding will be back this week, starting on Monday (27 March). Despite load shedding being reduced over the past week to lower levels, power cuts are expected to worsen as South Africa moves into the Winter months.
Eskom Stage 3 Load shedding schedule
Stage 1 load shedding will be implemented from 16:00 today until 05:00 on Monday. Thereafter, Stage 2 load shedding will be implemented from 05:00 until 16:00 on Monday followed by Stage 3 load shedding until 05:00 on Tuesday. On Tuesday and Wednesday, Stage 1 load shedding will be implemented from 05:00 until 16:00, and Stage 2 load shedding will be implemented from 16:00 until 05:00.
Eskom announces stage 3 load shedding this week
| Date | Stage 1 | Stage 2 | Stage 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Stage 1 until 00h00 | ||
| Monday | 00h00-05h00 | 05h00-16h00 | 16h00-00h00 |
| Tuesday | 05h00-16h00 | 16h00-00h00 | 00h00-05h00 |
| Wednesday | 05h00-16h00 | 16h00-00h00 | 00h00-05h00 |
Further updates
Eskom said it would publish a further update as soon as any significant changes occur.
Experts’ views
Electricity minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa said that he does not anticipate significantly higher stages of load-shedding during winter this year – but there is no guarantee considering the grid’s fragility. Many other experts, including former Eskom executive Robbie van Heerden and Intellidex capital markets head Peter Attard Montalto, also warned of intensified load-shedding in winter. Van Heerden said South Africa would most likely go to stage 8 load-shedding during winter and that power cuts would continue for many years. Montalto said South Africans should brace themselves for consistent stage 7 load-shedding from July 2023.
Load-shedding framework
Many people are also alarmed by a new load-shedding framework that prepares for higher stages of power cuts. Vally Padayachee from the NRS Association of South Africa said that Eskom is reviewing the load-shedding framework to prepare for load-shedding to exceed stage 8 in the future. However, this framework is a proactive measure for Eskom and municipalities to be ready to respond should it be necessary.
Load shedding schedules
For people living in the major metros, load shedding schedules are available on the websites of their respective municipalities. For access to other load shedding schedules, Eskom has made them available on loadshedding.eskom.co.za. Smartphone users can also download the app EskomSePush to receive push notifications when load shedding is implemented, as well as the times the area you are in will be off.
Shining a Light on Africa’s Power Problem: The Impact of Power Cuts on the Continent
Power cuts, also known as blackouts, have been a persistent issue in many African countries for decades. In many places, power outages can last for hours or even days, making it difficult for people to carry out their daily activities and businesses to operate effectively.
The causes of power cuts in Africa are varied, but the most common ones include inadequate infrastructure, insufficient investment in the power sector, and a lack of diversity in the energy mix. Many African countries rely heavily on hydroelectric power, which is vulnerable to changes in rainfall patterns and other weather-related events. As a result, droughts and other natural disasters can significantly affect the availability of electricity.
Another significant factor contributing to power cuts in Africa is the high demand for electricity, which often exceeds the supply. This issue is exacerbated by population growth, urbanization, and the increasing use of energy-intensive appliances such as air conditioners, refrigerators, and TVs.
The impact of power cuts on African economies and people’s lives is severe. For instance, the loss of electricity can affect access to clean water, medical care, and transportation. It can also disrupt businesses, especially those that rely on electricity to operate, leading to job losses and reduced economic growth.
In recent years, some African governments have taken steps to address the issue of power cuts. One such initiative is the implementation of off-grid renewable energy solutions, such as solar and wind power. These solutions have the potential to provide electricity to remote and rural areas where grid-based electricity is unavailable or unreliable.
In addition to these initiatives, many African countries are also working to improve their power infrastructure, attract investment in the power sector, and diversify their energy mix. For instance, some countries are exploring the use of natural gas and other non-hydroelectric sources of energy.
While progress has been made in addressing the issue of power cuts in Africa, there is still much work to be done. Governments and other stakeholders need to continue investing in the power sector and exploring innovative solutions to ensure that all Africans have access to reliable and affordable electricity. This is critical not only for economic development but also for improving the quality of life for millions of people across the continent.
