EXPLAINER: Here’s why Eskom is implementing lower stages of load shedding

Energy experts had predicted that Eskom would implement load shedding as high as Stage 8 in winter due to high demand, however the power utility is implementing lower stages.

In recent months, Eskom implemented Stage 6 rolling blackouts indefinitely which negatively impacted small businesses and people’s livelihoods.

WHY IS ESKOM IMPLEMENTING LOWER STAGES OF LOAD SHEDDING?

Electricity Minister, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa even though the demand for electricity is increasing, Eskom is able to maintain a much lower stage of load shedding due to the improvement of the Energy Availability Factor (EAF).

Ramokgopa revealed this during a virtual media briefing on Sunday, 25 June.

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The Minister said Eskom is much closer to achieving its target of 70% EAF.

“The EAF has been consistent on an average of 60% for the past 14 days. We are getting much closer to the target of 70% EAF that we had promised, and the benefit will be to the South African economy, households and the ability to ensure that we achieve the levels of growth that are necessary to improve the performance of the economy,” he said.

WHAT IS THE EAF?

According to the power utility EAF refers to It is the difference between the maximum availability and all unavailabilities (PCLF, UCLF & OCLF) expressed as a percentage. This excludes renewables, IPPs and international imports.

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