Power utility Eskom has issued an urgent warning about a high risk of load shedding at short notice, following the breakdown of several generation units. The alert was issued on the evening of 24 March after a series of technical failures occurred within a 12-hour period.

According to Eskom, six generation units were taken offline, placing the national power grid under severe pressure and prompting the use of emergency energy reserves.

“If an additional 800MW is lost, we will be compelled to implement Stage 2 load shedding at short notice,” Eskom stated. “Efforts are underway to return seven generation units to service between the evening peak and 25 March evening.”

The utility confirmed that teams are closely monitoring the situation and that further updates would be provided by 22:00, or earlier if necessary.

Despite the current strain, there have been signs of progress in Eskom’s efforts to stabilise the grid. On 23 March, Unit 6 of Kusile Power Station in Mpumalanga was successfully synchronised with the national grid. The power utility described the development as a significant milestone in its strategy to add 2,500MW of capacity by March 2025.

“This marks a crucial step towards completing one of South Africa’s largest infrastructure projects,” Eskom noted.

Once fully operational, Kusile Power Station is expected to contribute 4,800MW to the national grid, reinforcing its status as the country’s largest infrastructure investment.

Meanwhile, Medupi Power Station—Kusile’s sister facility—is set to return Unit 4 to service by the end of April 2025, following repairs to a generator stator fault. The unit is expected to provide an additional 800MW.

While these developments signal long-term gains, Eskom has urged South Africans to continue using electricity sparingly. Load shedding remains a real and ongoing risk.

The utility has come under mounting criticism for its handling of the power crisis, with rolling blackouts severely affecting daily life and the economy.

Eskom maintains that its long-term focus remains on stabilising the grid and ensuring reliable electricity for all South Africans.