No load shedding for now – Eskom

“There is a low probability of rotational load shedding during the day as a result of power station units being returned to the system but the probability of rotational load shedding increases for the evening peak period from 5 pm to 9 pm due to the normally expected increase in demand,” said the power utility.

Eskom said should the need for load shedding arise, this would be carried out for four hours.

It will also advise if the rotational load shedding will be conducted in either stage 1, stage 2, stage 3 or stage 4, dependent on the capacity shortage. Stage 1 requires 1000MW to rotationally load shed nationwide, stage 2 requires 2000 MW, stage 3 requires 3000 MW and stage 4 calls for up to 4000 MW to rotationally load shed nationally in that given period, said Eskom.

Want to know when your area is going to be impacted by loadshedding or where to find your schedule? @CityofCT @CityPowerJhb @eThekwiniM @CityofTshwane @cityofjhb @SowetanLIVE @randburg_sun @polokwane_city @WITBANK_NEWS pic.twitter.com/YXoCc1qAKz

— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) June 18, 2018

Load shedding is conducted as a measure of last resort to protect the power system from a total collapse or blackout.

The power utility said recovery teams at power stations continue to work hard to stabilise the power system and to return the generation plant as quickly as possible.

“Eskom’s prognosis is that the power system will take up to approximately ten days to recover from the effects of the recent industrial action, once all staff eventually return to work today.

“The estimated ten-day prognosis for full restoration is due to the effects of the industrial action which interrupted continuous processes at the power plants. These processes have now to be cleared out and restarted which would take additional time.”

These include:

–  Coal management and transportation. For example the inability to transport coal from coal stockyards to coal bunkers due to the absence of operating staff. In addition, the already low coal stockpiles at some stations were exacerbated by road closures as coal delivery had to be suspended.

–  A significant increase in plant outages and a bottleneck in routine maintenance due to the lack of resources to optimally operate the plant; such as ash clearing and mechanical failures that occurred during the period.

–  In addition, Eskom is currently managing diesel levels at its peaking plants at 50% to ensure that sufficient diesel generation is available for emergencies.

Eskom said the increase in production and full stability can only increase and be achieved with the return of employees on Monday.

It will continue to re-assess the prognosis during the week.

“We continue to encourage residents and businesses to please use electricity sparingly to ease the demand of electricity. Please switch off geysers during the day especially during peak periods (7 am to 10 am and 6 pm to 9 pm) as well as all non-essential lighting and electricity appliances to assist in reducing demand.”

@Eskom_SA customers are requested to direct all customer services queries including emergency situations to Eskom's sharecall number: 0860037566. pic.twitter.com/1L1nIBx0Uu

— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) June 18, 2018

The power utility advised customers to keep checking their load shedding schedules on the Eskom and their municipal website and plan on the assumption that load shedding will take place.

Load shedding schedules can be found on the Eskom website at loadshedding.eskom.co.za.

Eskom customers can also contact our customer contact centre at 0860 037 566.