Eskom hinted that loadshedding could go beyond stage 8 last week, and that may soon be the new reality.
A blackout schedule beyond Stage 8 is currently being prepared by Eskom and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa. A Minister for Electricity will be named to focus entirely on reducing power cuts, despite government plans to appoint one.
Stage 8 would have catastrophic effects, according to energy analyst Ruse Moleshe. As a result of the higher levels of load-shedding, there will be insufficient capacity to meet the demand for electricity, and therefore the stages will increase.
“The amount of power not available in Stage 8 for instance is approximately 8,000 MW, which is the equivalent of more than three countries in Southern Africa, and the load-shedding hours will definitely exceed 12 hours,” Moleshe said in a statement.