Restore the power grid | 2023 the worst year for blackouts

JOHANNESBURG - Energy expert Warrick Pierce is warning the country is in for a rough ride ahead of winter.

New CSIR research shows that this year has seen the worst rolling blackouts on record.

READ: Restore the power grid | South Africans in the dark about Stage 16

And, we're only in the fifth month of the year.

This week, the struggling utility said its new national standards propose power cuts up to Stage 16.

READ: Restore the power grid | Lots of talk, lots of power cuts

''We know that last year was the worst year for load-shedding, about four and half times than 2021.

"2022 was a new record, but unfortunately by 1 May we're equalling the total of 2022, so we're exceeding the amount from last year," Pierce said.

"The question is not whether we'll end load-shedding, but ending at Stage 6."