Eskom has confirmed that Stage 3 loadshedding will be in effect from 14:00 on Friday, 7 March 2025, until 05:00 on Monday, 10 March 2025.
UPDATE: On Sunday, 9 March 2025, Eskom suspended loadshedding after recovering over 3,000MW in capacity. Read more on this story.
Eskom implements Stage 3 loadshedding on Friday
The power utility cited the loss of 2700MW in the last 14 hours as the reason for the increased electricity cuts.
In an official statement, Eskom explained that its current energy availability is at 98%, but the sudden drop in capacity has left the grid under strain.
This is partly due to the shutdown of Koeberg Unit 2, which was recently brought back online before tripping again.
Additionally, two Kusile units experienced operational challenges linked to coal supply issues following adverse weather conditions.
The weekend loadshedding schedule is also aimed at replenishing emergency reserves, which were significantly used during the week.
Eskom has reiterated that its high levels of planned maintenance will continue, ensuring its long-term recovery strategy remains on track.
The power cuts come after a period of relative stability, with Eskom suspending loadshedding for 325 days between April 2024 and February 2025, compared to just 32 days in the same period last year.
However, officials warn that structural challenges remain, and the situation will be closely monitored.
According to Eskom’s Group Executive for Generation, Bheki Nxumalo, engineers are working to return 6200MW to the grid by the Monday evening peak.
The team is also focused on bringing back three long-term outage units, which will add 2500MW over the coming weeks.
Eskom’s Group Chief Executive, Dan Marokane, acknowledged the frustration caused by the latest power cuts, stating:
“Loadshedding is a painful reminder of the past, but situations like this drive our resolve to double down on maintenance and stay the course to end loadshedding.”
The power utility maintains that its generation recovery plan is still on track, with the goal of achieving a stable energy availability factor (EAF) of 65%–70%. This, according to Eskom, will significantly reduce the risk of further electricity shortages.
City of Cape Town’s response
The City of Cape Town has announced that it will implement its own loadshedding schedule, attempting to reduce the impact on residents where possible.
However, it has warned that its ability to shield customers depends on the availability of reserves from Steenbras Hydro Pumped Storage Scheme.
The city has indicated that it needs to replenish these reserves over the weekend, which could limit the level of protection it can provide against higher stages of Eskom’s loadshedding.
