Eskom Breaks Silence on Claims of Permanent Loadshedding for the Next 2 Years

• Eskom cleared the air surrounding claims that it would implement permanent Stage 2 and 3 loadshedding
• Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha said that, while the measure was considered, it was rejected
• The confusion began after Eskom chairperson Mpho Makwana said it would take years to resolve the crisis

JOHANNESBURG - Eskom has rubbished claims that it would implement permanent Stage 2 and 3 loadshedding across the country.

The announcement came after various reports suggested that the power utility declared non-stop loadshedding for the next two years. Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha said that the measure was considered and was rejected.

He said former CEO Andrè de Ruyter claimed that permanent loadshedding would not be possible because Eskom cannot guarantee that the power outages would remain at low levels, according to BusinessTech.

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The confusion surrounding the implementation of permanent loadshedding began after Eskom chairperson Mpho Makwana said that the power utility would need about two years to fix the energy crisis.

“We want to create some predictability by implementing some level of a permanent stage of between Stage 2 and 3 loadshedding for the next two years in order to give sufficient space for maintenance while giving the country a level of predictability or consistency to plan livelihoods better,” said Makwana.

He added that moving from one stage to another in a short span of time is not good for local businesses. According to SABC News, Makwana added that teams at the power stations are working hard to create a reliable power supply.

Eskom says SA should brace for permanent Stage 2 and Stage 3 loadshedding over next two years

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Eskom says SA should brace for permanent Stage 2 and Stage 3 loadshedding over next two years

Briefly News also reported that South Africans should brace for more loadshedding in the coming years. The power utility company said power outages are expected to continue in the next few years but will be reduced to Stages 2 and 3.

Eskom chair Mpho Makwana and CEO André de Ruyter made these sentiments during a media briefing on Sunday, January 22.

According to TimesLIVE, Eskom chair Mpho Makwana said implementing permanent loadshedding for the next two years will enable the embattled utility company to maintain the constrained system and to provide consistency in outages for the country.

Source: Briefly News