Stage 2 load shedding begins

“As a result of the loss of additional generation, delays in the return to service of units that are on planned maintenance and limited diesel supply, it has become necessary to implement stage 2 rotational load shedding from 9am until 11pm to protect the power system from a total collapse,” said Eskom.

Eskom elaborated that in the System Status Briefing of 4 September 2019, Eskom warned that to avoid load shedding, unplanned breakdowns needed to be contained at below 9 500MW. In the event generator breakdowns were experienced beyond 10 500MW, there will be high usage of emergency resources (diesel and pumped storage generators), which may lead to load shedding if the supply constraints are sustained for a long duration.

“The severe supply constraint being experienced has come about due to high levels of unplanned breakdowns that have exceeded the 10 500MW limit. The supply constraint is caused by, among others, five generating units that are unavailable due to boiler tube leaks. In addition, a conveyor belt supplying Medupi Power Station with coal failed on Saturday 12 October resulting in low volumes of coal being supplied to the power station thus limiting the generating capability to approximately half the station output.”

Eskom also said that due to the shortage of generating capacity from coal-fired generation, the pumped storage and Open Cycle Gas Turbine generators have been used extensively since 12 October which has led to a decline in the dam levels and diesel tank levels.

“We unreservedly apologise to South Africans for the negative impact this may have on them and want to assure the nation that we continue to work tirelessly to ensure the security of energy supply.”

To assist us in these efforts, Eskom appealed to customers to continue to use electricity sparingly throughout the day:

• Set air-conditioners’ average temperature at 23ºC

• Switch off your geysers over peak periods

• Use the cold water tap rather than using the geyser every time

• Set your swimming pool pump cycle to run twice a day, three hours at a time for optimal energy use

• At the end of the day, turn off computers, copiers, printers and fax machines at the switch. Avoid standby or sleep mode.

Customers are also advised to check their load shedding schedules on the Eskom or municipal website.

Eskom said it would keep customers informed if there were any further changes to the power system.

https://rosebankkillarneygazette.co.za/246174/lights-eskom-implements-stage-2-load-shedding-across-joburg/