Eskom implements Stage 2 loadshedding to prevent power grid collapse

Eskom has unexpectedly implemented Stage 2 loadshedding due to power unit delays and breakdowns, contradicting its earlier winter forecast of a stable electricity supply.

Eskom has announced the implementation of Stage 2 loadshedding from Tuesday evening, 13 May 2025, just over a week after assuring South Africans that loadshedding could be avoided this winter.

UPDATE: Eskom has suspended loadshedding following the recovery of generation capacity.

Eskom implements Stage 2 loadshedding on Tuesday, 13 May 2025

The decision comes amid unexpected power losses and delays in bringing maintenance units back online.

According to Eskom’s Power Alert issued on Tuesday, the loadshedding will take place during peak evening hours—from 16:00 to 22:00—until Thursday, 15 May 2025.

The power utility cited two main reasons for this: first, a delay in returning power generation units that were undergoing planned maintenance; and second, an additional 1,385 megawatts of electricity lost in the last 24 hours due to breakdowns.

Altogether, Eskom said the total unplanned breakdowns have now pushed the power system’s vulnerability, with outages currently affecting more than 13,000 megawatts (MW).

For context, South Africa’s electricity demand can reach over 30,000MW during winter months, so losing 13,000MW from the system places massive pressure on the grid.

This sudden implementation of loadshedding appears to contradict Eskom’s earlier public messaging. In its Winter Outlook briefing on 5 May 2025, Eskom stated that loadshedding could be avoided altogether if breakdowns remained below 13,000MW.

At the time, Eskom Group CEO Dan Marokane said the company’s recovery plan had shown results, with diesel use and daily blackouts both dropping significantly compared to the previous year.

In the same briefing, Eskom had indicated that even in the worst-case scenario—if breakdowns reached up to 15,000MW—Stage 2 loadshedding would only occur for a few days.

With current breakdowns now sitting just above 13,000MW, the utility has already moved to rolling blackouts, leading to confusion among the public.

In Tuesday’s statement, Marokane acknowledged the current operational challenges but insisted the system was still stronger than in previous winters.

“We are determined to build on the progress already achieved. The delays in returning units are being addressed with urgency by senior leadership,” he said.

Eskom further explained that its maintenance programme is aimed at long-term improvements, but it temporarily reduces the system’s ability to respond to unexpected failures.

The company added that new generation projects are underway and will eventually add 2,500MW to the grid, with help from the private sector.