Load Shedding Suspended Earlier Than Expected

Eskom implemented the rolling blackouts at 2pm on Friday - the third time it has imposed load shedding this year - following the loss of 2.7GW of generating capacity.

Several generation units went offline, including Kusile unit 2, two days after it was reintroduced to the grid. Two other coal-fired units were taken offline due to coal operations becoming 'suboptimal" following "adverse weather" conditions.

The state-owned electricity utility had said it expected to suspend load shedding at 5am on Monday, so the earlier suspension is likely a good sign for the week ahead.

"Coal operations at Kusile power station are at optimal levels. All units that were offline as of Friday are now back in service. Progress on the recovery of Koeberg unit 2 is well under way. Eskom reassures the public that Koeberg Unit 2 remains safe," Eskom said in a statement on Sunday morning.