Gloomy and darker days are ahead as the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has approved new guidelines, which allow Eskom to implement load shedding from stage 1 to 16. Previously the guidelines only permitted Eskom to implement loadshedding up to stage 8.

The National Rationalized Specifications Association (NRS) submitted the new edition to Nersa for approval in May 2023.

Vally Padayachee, chairperson of the management committee for the NRS Association, said the guidelines are necessary to help prevent a national blackout or total electricity grid collapse.

"The changes and enhancements included in this third edition are consolidation of the load shedding stages into a single system from stage 1 to 16, restricting all licenses to using this system as specified in this code of practice, or being able to explain to Nersa why they do not and how their specific system still adhere to the principles herein. The increased control of how load shedding and load curtailment are determined and carried out, providing more stability to the network and more certainty to curtailment customers."

? The consolidation of the load-shedding stages into a single system from Stage 1 to 16;

? Clarification on methods for setting baselines for curtailment customers;

? Increased control of how load-shedding and load-curtailment are determined and carried out to improve grid stability and provide more certainty to curtailment customers;

? Giving curtailment customers the right to reduce consumption by 10 % per every two load-shedding stages, up to stage 10, 50 % of their load, or to go to essential loads, rather than being forced to essential loads after Stage 4;

? The specification of compliance and reporting requirements (general and real-time); and

? Guidance on implementing smart metering technology to reduce the impact of load-shedding on customers.

However, on Friday Eskom spokesperson Daphne Mokwena announced that power cuts will remain suspended until further notice.

"This is a result of sustained available generation capacity, adequate emergency reserves, and anticipated moderate demand for the week ahead," Mokwena said.She said an update will be given later this week. "Eskom will provide a system update on Friday or communicate any significant changes should they occur," Mokwena said.