Probability of load shedding low but electricity system remains severely constrained

In a released statement by the power utility, Eskom said that since the past weekend the plant performance has deteriorated with unplanned breakdowns reaching a high of 12 500MW before reducing to approximately 11 500MW this morning (5 November). Eskom said that it is currently using emergency resources being diesel and pumped water storage to keep the lights on. 

“With the expected return to service of several units today and tomorrow and current diesel reserves, the probability of load shedding remains low for the week but the system remains constrained until at least Thursday. We remind customers that any unexpected shift such as additional unplanned breakdowns or the availability of diesel or pumped water storage reserves could result in load shedding at short notice.

Eskom said that as communicated in the summer plan on 4 September 2019, unplanned breakdowns above 9 500MW require the use of emergency resources at a high rate (diesel and pumped water generators) and they increase the probability of load shedding if the supply constraints are sustained for a long duration.

“Our summer maintenance programme is under way and technical teams are working tirelessly to keep to schedule and bring back generating units from planned and unplanned maintenance,” said Eskom.

Eskom said that they are appealing to residents and businesses to use electricity sparingly. “Please switch off geysers as well as all non-essential lighting and electricity appliances to assist in reducing demand, we will continue to keep South African’s informed about the status of the electricity system and our recovery efforts “.

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