The incredible shift from Stage 6 load shedding to Stage 3, potentially even lower, was arguably always predictable. Just weeks ago, the country was on edge, anticipating Stage 8 – or worse – load shedding during the winter months. This will likely not come to pass. It is a stone-cold fact that Eskom’s coal generation fleet performs far better in winter than in summer.
Further delays at Koeberg spell more trouble for Eskom Beyond this, the return of ±2000MW from Kusile’s units currently offline due to a duct failure will make a massive impact to the power system in December. Originally, Eskom said these would be brought on stream with temporary flues from December onwards . In its most recent presentation the 2300MW from the three units plus Unit 5 which still has to be commissioned is due to all come on stream in December.