Weekend loadshedding schedule starting Friday, 19 July 2024

Here's a look at this weekend's loadshedding schedule.

By / / Lifestyle
stage 6 loadshedding
  • Eskom has continued the suspension of loadshedding for 114 days.
  • The Generation Recovery Plan has significantly improved the power system.
  • Unplanned outages and diesel expenditure have decreased.
  • The Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has improved.

Eskom has announced the continuation of the loadshedding suspension, marking 114 consecutive days of uninterrupted power supply as of Friday, 19 July 2024.

Weekend loadshedding schedule starting Friday, 19 July 2024

This includes 80 days of constant supply during the winter season, demonstrating the effectiveness of Eskom’s Generation Recovery Plan and extensive planned maintenance efforts.

The power system is currently stable, with Eskom maintaining consistent power supply since 26 March 2024.

The last similar prolonged period of stability occurred between 8 September 2020 and 11 December 2020.

The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) has decreased to 26.85% for the financial year to date (1 April 2024 to 18 July 2024), improving from 34.89% in the same period last year.

This represents an 8% improvement. Unplanned outages have averaged 12,000MW over the past seven days, contributing to a total available capacity of 32,478MW, a 13% improvement compared to the same period last year.

Here’s a look at the provisional weekend loadshedding schedule starting Friday, 19 July 2024:

Date05:00 –
16:00		16:00 –
20:00		20:00 –
00:00		00:00 –
05:00
Fri
19 July 24		Suspended*Suspended*Suspended*Suspended*
Sat
20 July 24		Suspended*Suspended*Suspended*Suspended*
Sun
21 July 24		Suspended*Suspended*Suspended*Suspended*
*Loadshedding schedule subject to change at short notice. Changes are highlighted in bold.

What is the state of the power system?

Eskom does not anticipate implementing loadshedding this winter, thanks to the ongoing stability of the power system.

The Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has increased to 62.1% for the year-to-date (1 April 2024 to 18 July 2024), a 7.2% improvement compared to the same period last year.

The weekly EAF has moved from 57.0% at the beginning of the financial year to 67.38% from 15 July to 18 July 2024.

Seven power stations, including Camden, Kendal, Kusile, Majuba, Matimba, Medupi, and Peaking, recorded an EAF of 70% and higher.

Eskom’s strategic use of peaking stations, including Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs), has been crucial in managing electricity demand during peak times.

Diesel consumption remains under the projected figures for this winter and is significantly lower than the past two years. Between 1 April 2024 and 18 July 2024, Eskom spent R3.36 billion on OCGTs, generating 491.36GWh.

This expenditure is approximately 71% less than the R11.44 billion spent over the same period last year for 1,899.95GWh.

The OCGT load factor for this period was 5.50%, compared to last year’s 21.27%. From 1 July to 18 July 2024, the OCGT load factor was 1.96%, significantly lower than last year’s 21.36%.

Will Eskom implement loadshedding this winter?

Eskom’s projected evening peak demand for Friday, 19 July 2024, is 29,209MW.

The demand is expected to remain high due to the winter season.

However, the ongoing stability of the power system, supported by improved maintenance and reduced unplanned outages, is expected to meet this demand effectively.

Eskom will provide an update next Friday, 26 July 2024, or promptly communicate any significant changes as they occur.