Eskom has confirmed that no loadshedding is forecasted for the week starting Monday, 21 October 2024.
Story Summary:
- Eskom confirmed that loadshedding will remain suspended for the week starting Monday, 21 October 2024.
- The power system continues to improve, with reduced unplanned outages and strong energy availability.
- The likelihood of loadshedding remains low, with steady operational performance and upcoming maintenance returns.
- Average electricity demand this week is expected to remain around 25,862MW during evening peaks.
Loadshedding outlook for this week: Here’s what to expect
The loadshedding suspension has now been in effect for 206 consecutive days as of 19 October 2024, marking the longest uninterrupted power supply in five years.
What is the current state of the power system?
Eskom’s power system continues to show improvements.
Over the past week, the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) averaged 62%, with top-performing stations like Kusile and Duvha maintaining an EAF above 70%.
While unplanned outages ranged between 11,500MW and 13,900MW, today’s unplanned outages stand at 10,649MW, showing improved operational efficiency.
Eskom noted, “today’s unplanned outages are 2,351MW lower than the summer 2024 base case,” indicating that the system is performing better than expected.
What is the likelihood of loadshedding this week?
The likelihood of loadshedding this week remains low, based on Eskom’s current operational performance.
Ongoing maintenance, combined with steady improvements in unplanned outages, ensures that electricity demand can be met without interruptions.
Here’s the loadshedding schedule starting Monday, 21 October 2024
Here is the official loadshedding schedule:
| Date | 00:00 – 05:00 | 05:00 – 16:00 | 16:00 – 20:00 | 20:00 – 00:00 |
| Mon 21 Oct 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Tues 22 Oct 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Wed 23 Oct 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Thurs 24 Oct 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Friday 25 Oct 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Sat 26 Oct 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
| Sun 27 Oct 24 | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* | Suspended* |
Readers from these metros can check the latest loadshedding schedule below:
- City of Johannesburg
- City of Ekurhuleni
- City of Tshwane
- City of Cape Town
- Nelson Mandela Bay
- eThekwini
- Manguang
- Buffalo City
What is the average demand expected to be this week?
The average electricity demand this week is expected to remain similar to the demand observed on Friday, 18 October 2024, when Eskom reported an evening peak forecast of 25,862MW.
This estimate should guide expectations for the upcoming week.