Eskom warns stage 4 load-shedding on the cards this weekend
After more than 10 months of uninterrupted electricity supply, Eskom warned that there is a high risk of load-shedding returning – with stage 4 likely.
The utility issued a press release on Friday, 31 January, stating that it may need to implement load-shedding on short notice.
“This is a potentially temporary setback. Load-shedding is largely behind us due to the structural improvements in our generation fleet,” Eskom CEO Dan Marokane said.
“However, over the past seven days, we have experienced several breakdowns that require extended repair times.”
“This has necessitated the use of all our emergency reserves, which now need to be replenished.”
The utility said it is closely monitoring the status of its current emergency reserves, and load-shedding up to stage 4 may be implemented over the weekend.
Eskom said it will issue further updates in due course. However, it added that its Summer Outlook remains unchanged.
This is the first time in 10 months that South Africans may experience load-shedding, as Eskom has been successful in implementing its Generation Recovery Plan.
The day before this announcement was released, Eskom announced its interim results for the six months through September 2024.
These results showed a remarkable improvement in the utility’s operational performance, which translated into an improved financial performance.
Eskom reported a 16% increase in revenue to R183.71 billion for the half-year period, with EBITDA rising 64% to R61.66 billion.
Net profit surged over 1,000% to R17.83 billion from R1.61 billion in 2023.
The utility attributed its improved revenue to higher tariffs, the suspension of load-shedding, and seasonal demand.
Eskom’s operational performance has also improved significantly, with its energy availability factor reaching around 60% – the highest in years.
Load-shedding has not been implemented since March last year, allowing the company to sell more electricity while cutting diesel costs.
Eskom’s financial position has also been strengthened by the government’s R254 billion debt relief package, announced in 2023.
This bailout, paid in annual tranches, increased Eskom’s cash balance to R33.01 billion from R23.59 billion in March 2024. The utility is set to receive R66 billion in 2025 and R40 billion in 2026.
Despite this support, Eskom warned of long-term liquidity risks once the relief period ends.
It cited financial sustainability challenges, including an inadequate tariff path, high debt service costs, growing municipal arrears, operational inefficiencies, and the impact of fraud and corruption.
Data about Eskom’s recent performance, courtesy of EE Business Intelligence director and energy analyst Chris Yelland, can be seen below.

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