Eskom is implementing Stage 4 rotational load-shedding until 11pm tonight as a result of a shortage of capacity with a number of generating units still out of service due to breakdowns.
Eskom said it would communicate any changes in the system during the day.
“While progress has been made with coal handling at Medupi Power Station, breakdowns are at 15 200MW as at 5.43am today [10 December] The incessant rains continue to impact coal handling and operations at our power stations. The probability of load-shedding remains high for the rest of the week,” said Eskom.
Eskom added that the Emergency Response Command Centre continued to monitor the situation and the focus was to reduce unplanned breakdowns to below 9 500MW to minimise or to stop load-shedding in the following week.
“We remind customers that load-shedding at Stage 4 is no cause for alarm as the system is being effectively controlled. Load-shedding is a responsible act and highly controlled process implemented to protect the country from a national blackout. During Stage 4, 4000MW is rotationally load-shed nationally at a given period. Even during this stage, approximately 80 per cent of the country’s demand is still being met,” Eskom explained.
The power utility also urged customers to reduce demand as a concerted collective effort could help to avoid or lessen the level of load-shedding. “As we are experiencing rainy and cooler weather conditions in some parts of the country, we ask that you use efficient heating to keep warm and switch off your geysers over peak periods.
“We will keep South Africans informed about the status of the electricity system and our recovery efforts throughout this period.”
Eskom customers can check their load-shedding schedules on the Eskom website or through the customer contact centre on 086 003 7566.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience during this difficult period.”
Related article:
https://alexnews.co.za/146860/stage-2-stage-4-eskom-implements-stage-6/
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