Eskom warns of possible load shedding ‘at very short notice’
Eskom has warned that it could once again implement load shedding at short notice on Monday due to a delay in returning units to service and the loss of multiple generation units.
This has left the country with a constrained power system.
South Africans have had to endure constant rolling blackouts over the past few weeks as Eskom struggles to keep the lights on.
Load shedding was finally suspended on Friday evening, although Eskom warned it could make a return this week.
Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha says the utility is relying on emergency reserves to meet demand.
“Eskom is working on returning a generation unit each at Matimba, Duvha and Arnot power stations to service before the evening peak. Today a generation unit each at Arnot, Kendal, Matla and Tutuka power stations have been returned to service.
“However, we will still be heavily reliant on emergency reserves to meet demand tonight. Emergency reserves are healthy to assist in reducing the supply deficit.
He urged the public to reduce electricity usage.
“Eskom requests to the public to reduce the consumption of electricity as any further losses of generation capacity would force the implementation of load shedding at very short notice. The loss of multiple generators over the weekend, as well as delays in returning some generation units to service, has made for a very constrained power system this afternoon.”
The utility is currently running at 4 533MW on planned maintenance, while another 13 601MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.
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