Stage 8 load-shedding implemented for a second day

For the second day this week, Eskom has implemented load-shedding exceeding 7,000MW, which equates to stage 8.

On Wednesday evening, Eskom implemented load-shedding of 7,092MW, following the previous day’s 7,045MW.

Eskom’s definition states that any load-shedding over 7,000MW is classified as stage 8.

Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha told MyBroadband that the data he publishes is for a point in the evening, which is the highest demand period.

The power utility announces the load-shedding stage up-front and is, therefore, an estimate of the electricity supply deficit.

Eskom manages the power system continuously in real-time to ensure there’s sufficient supply to always meet demand.

“This is being done by reducing the demand to match available supply at all times while maintaining a buffer reserve,” he said.

It can happen that demand exceeds the previously announced estimate, which forces Eskom to lift the level of load-shedding without announcing it.

“As you will see in the figures, it is accurate to say at that particular time last night, load-shedding was Stage 7,” he said.

Mantshantsha’s explanation makes sense, except that 7,092MW cut from the grid is stage 8 load-shedding, not stage 7.

The table below shows the official load-shedding stage over the last week, the reported evening peak load-shedding, and the actual stage based on Eskom’s definition.