City Power, Johannesburg’s electricity provider, has expressed concerns about the challenges posed by the implementation of Stage 4 load shedding, which Eskom has imposed until further notice.
The power utility attributes this development to insufficient emergency reserves and generation capacity, with four units failing to return to service as planned.
City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena acknowledged that Stage 4 load shedding will strain the company’s resources and staff members.
He says, “It means that our customers will have to endure more episodes of blackouts. While we have resolved the issue of frequent hourly outages through the new load shedding schedule, it may return as the stages increase.”
Mangena clarified that the midnight overlapping four hours, from 10:00 pm to 2:00 am, is considered two separate days by the system to minimise disruptions. He noted that this period typically coincides with lower electricity consumption as people are asleep.
Meanwhile, Electricity Minister Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa says he’s hoping that the new Eskom CEO is someone who understands the energy sector and can support power stations.
Plans are at an advanced stage to appoint a Group Chief Executive with three candidate names shortlisted for Cabinet consideration.
The power entity has been operating without a CEO since the resignation of Andre de Ruyter last year.
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According to Eskom, Stage 4 loadshedding has been implemented until further notice.
Here is today’s schedule^LT pic.twitter.com/fYvtpUdn5g
— @CityPowerJhb (@CityPowerJhb) November 22, 2023
