Eskom brings back stage 6 to avoid grid collapse

Eskom implemented severe power cuts on Friday to prevent a total collapse of South Africa’s electricity grid.

“Due to the shortage of generating capacity and emergency reserves”, the utility will implement so-called Stage 6 load-shedding, taking 6,000 MW off the system to prevent an overload of demand, it said in a statement.

The return of this level of electricity rationing is a step backwards for South Africa’s government, which has prioritized stabilizing the system.

Eskom last reached Stage 6 in September as warmer weather in the southern hemisphere during the current months results in less electricity demand. That level is expected to last through Monday, the utility said.