Power system still severely constrained as generation units break down and cold front hits
We urge the people of South Africa to help reduce electricity usage in order to assist Eskom to keep the lights on.
On Tuesday, August 18 Eskom urged the public to reduce electricity usage as the power generation system is still severely constrained this afternoon.
Yesterday, six generators were returned to service at Medupi, Tutuka, Kendal, Majuba and Grootvlei power stations.
However, the breakdown of four units overnight and this morning at Medupi, Duvha, Majuba, and Lethabo power stations, as well as a delay in the expected return to service of a unit at Medupi has resulted in the power system being constrained.
Any further deterioration in the generation performance may therefore necessitate the implementation of load shedding at short notice.
As the aged generation infrastructure is unreliable and volatile, this constrained power system is expected to persist for the rest of the week, particularly as the cold front hits.
Unplanned breakdowns stand at more than 11 900 MW of capacity, adding to the 4 350MW currently out on planned maintenance.
We urge the people of South Africa to help reduce electricity usage in order to assist Eskom to keep the lights on.
