Despite three months of respite from load shedding, Eskom warns that rolling blackouts could return this winter, reminding South Africans of the ongoing energy challenges.
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As cold weather grips the country, electricity usage surges with heaters blasting and longer, hotter showers becoming the norm.
While South Africa consistently hits emergency reserve levels, the power utility has managed to avoid load shedding for over 90 days.
In a statement on Friday, Eskom reported that its operational efficiency is surpassing expectations.
Eskom highlighted that unplanned outages, averaging 12,000 MW of electricity loss, have been lower than forecast for winter.
However, Eskom cautioned that load shedding may still return.
‘The winter forecast, published on 26 April 2024, anticipated a likely scenario of unplanned outages at 15 500MW and load shedding limited to Stage 2 – this remains in force.’
Eskom also reported using less diesel than projected and remaining on track with its planned maintenance.
While the electricity remains on, the situation in Johannesburg sees residents facing a 12.72% rate increase starting Monday.
Customers on the Extended Social Package will see a 6.21% increase.
Those using prepaid meters will soon incur a monthly service fee of R70 and a network capacity charge of R130, with both amounts excluding VAT.
On Friday, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) approved City Power’s tariff increase application.
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