Eskom will implement stage 1 load-shedding (1 000 MW cut) for the tenth day in a row, but only from 17:00 to 22:00 on Tuesday as it tries to minimise the power cuts during the day. The power utility informed users via Twitter just before 14:00.

Earlier on Tuesday, Eskom announced that there will be no load-shedding for the first half of the day.

"Because of maintenance, the system will not be able to meet 1 000 MW of demand, meaning that although certain areas will be without electricity for a certain period, about 96% of South Africans will still continue to receive power supply at the same time," Eskom said in a statement.

In a statement, the power utility said that there is enough electricity generating capacity to meet demand.

"The power system is stable at present and should there be a need to load shed in the evening, Eskom will advise the public accordingly."

Eskom thanked consumers for responding to its call to save power.

Chances of load-shedding on Tuesday were medium for the morning and very high for the evening and dependent on the performance of the power plant, Eskom said in a tweet early on Tuesday.

Eskom, which stopped stage 1 load-shedding at about 21:46 on Monday, said the electricity supply system remains very vulnerable for the rest of the week.

South African consumers have experienced over 30 days of load-shedding this year in the worst electricity crunch since 2008.

Eskom said maintenance is carried out to guarantee that its supply of electricity can be maintained in the long term.

In a call on consumers to help save electricity, Eskom said "every little bit of saving counts in minimising the severity of load-shedding".

On Monday, Eskom implemented stage 1 load-shedding (1 000MW) from 17:00, the ninth consecutive day it has cut power from the grid.

Outlook for the rest of the week:

Tuesday (21 April): The capacity available to meet evening peak demand is 29 650 MW (including open cycle gas turbines) while demand is forecast 32 162 MW.

Wednesday (22 April): The capacity available to meet that evening’s peak demand is 29 650 MW (including open cycle gas turbines) while demand is forecast 32 047 MW.

Thursday (23 April): The capacity available to meet that evening’s peak demand is 29 650 MW (including open cycle gas turbines) while demand is forecast 31 993 MW.

Friday (24 April): The capacity available to meet that evening’s peak demand is 29 650 MW (including open cycle gas turbines) while demand is forecast 30 743 MW.

Saturday (25 April): The capacity available to meet that evening’s peak demand is 29 840 MW (including open cycle gas turbines) while demand is forecast 29 412 MW. 

Sunday (26 April): The capacity available to meet that evening’s peak demand is 29 840 MW (including open cycle gas turbines) while demand is forecast 29 008 MW.

There’s a feeling of cautious optimism surrounding the future of South Africa’s electricity and energy sector after last week’s series of critical announcements, energy expert Chris Yelland said on Monday.

“I’m getting a new feeling of optimism and confidence coming out of the Department of Energy, the Department of Public Enterprises and indeed Eskom, what with the appointment of Brian Molefe [as acting CEO] late last week,” the MD of EE Publishers told Fin24.

News24.com