An energy expert says Stage 8 load shedding could be a new reality meaning South Africans won’t have power for over 12 hours a day.

STAGE 8 LOAD SHEDDING ‘VERY REALISTIC’

In an interview with eNCA, Mashele said it is highly possible that Eskom might implement Stage 8 rolling blackouts. Mashele said had Eskom not implemented Stage 6 load shedding on Wednesday, 11 January Stage 8 would have been implemented.

Stage 6 blackouts mean that South Africans do not have electricity for 10 – 12 hours a day, so Stage 8 means that there will be no electricity for 12 – 14 hours a day.

RAMAPHOSA ‘DEEPLY REGRETS’ ENERGY CRISIS

Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, says President Cyril Ramaphosa deeply regrets the current energy situation, which has seen Eskom implement Stage 6 load shedding. On Thursday, 12 January, Magwenya was updating the public on the President’s public programme and topical issues. Magwenya said Ramaphosa has acknowledged the frustration of households, parents, and learners who have commenced the school calendar year facing power shortages.

“The devastation to small businesses and the adverse impact to the economy remains severe for South Africa’s recovering economy,” Magwenya said during the briefing.

“Had they not reserved their diesel pump storage and if anything happened in the evening peak it would have most likely tipped us over to Stage 7 or Stage 8,” she said.

Brace yourselves for more darkness Mzansi! Energy expert, Lungile Mashele says Stage 8 load shedding is coming which means that people will not have power for over 12 hours a day. Eskom is currently implementing Stage 6 load shedding indefinitely.