Eskom published the weekend loadshedding schedule starting on Friday, 22 September 2023, which forecasts reduced stages of rotational outages
UPDATE: On Sunday, 24 September 2023, Eskom confirmed Stage 3 loadshedding will be in effect from 20:00 until further notice, due to the failures of three generation units. “We have been unable to replenish the pumped storage dam levels sufficiently for the week ahead.” See the updated loadshedding schedule below.,
Weekend loadshedding schedule starting Friday, 22 September 2023
On Thursday, 21 September 2023, Eskom confirmed Stage 1 loadshedding will be in place between 05:00 and 16:00 on Friday “due to the anticipated planned maintenance to address minor generation defects.”
Thereafter, rotational outages will increase to Stage 2 from 16:00 until 05:00 on Saturday, 23 September 2023.
“Eskom will issue a further communication on Friday on the outlook for the long weekend,” Eskom noted.
Here’s a look at the weekend loadshedding schedule starting Friday, 22 September 2023:
| Date | Morning Peak (05:00 – 16:00) | Evening Peak (16:00 – 05:00) |
| Friday 22 Sep 2023 | (05:00 – 10:00) Stage 1* (10:00 – 16:00) Suspended | Stage 2 |
| Saturday 23 Sep 2023 | Suspended | Suspended |
| Sunday 24 Sep 2023 | Suspended | (16:00 – 20:00) Suspended (20:00 – 05:00) Stage 3* |
Update on breakdowns and available capacity
On Thursday, 21 September 2023, Eskom reported more than 13 501MW of generation capacity lost to breakdowns, with an additional 4 601MW offline due to several units placed out of commission for planned maintenance.
Here is a snapshot of Eskom’s energy availability, observed from the evening peak period of Wednesday, 20 September 2023:
