The power system is extremely constrained today and will remain so over the weekend necessitating the need for Eskom to implement load shedding.
This is due to unforeseen technical problems at power stations, depleted water reserves and logistical issues relating to diesel supplies at our peaking power stations, Eskom said in a release this afternoon..
As a result Eskom had to implement stage 2 load shedding today as of 11h00. At 12h05 load shedding was extended from stage 2 to stage 3.
The change in stages is due to the shutdown of two of our open cycle gas turbine power station which use diesel to generate electricity. The diesel reserves have been depleted at the Gourikwa and Ankerlig gas turbines leading to the shutdown of the power stations. The Drakensburg and Palmiet pumped storage schemes which use water to generate electricity have reduced output as a result of depleted water reserves.
A further 1 000MW of capacity is offline after three coal powered units tripped last night due to technical faults.
Eskom will be load shedding until 22h00 this evening.
Stage 2 load shedding will commence tomorrow from 6 am until 10 pm and again on Sunday from 8 am until 10 pm in order to build up reserves for the week ahead.
Consumers can help alleviate pressure from the system by reducing their electricity usage as much as they can.
Eskom has also asked major customers to contribute by reducing their usage by 10%.
“Our objective for load shedding this weekend is to fill the pumped storage dams, fill diesel tanks and undertake essential maintenance. Our aspiration after that is to avoid load shedding if at all possible until mid-January,” Chief Executive Tshediso Matona said.
“Unfortunately we cannot guarantee this but we will put in every effort over the festive season to avoid interruptions,” he said.
Eskom’s load shedding schedules are available for Eskom direct customers on our website (http://loadshedding.eskom.co.za/). Customers are encouraged to contact our call centre on 0860 037 566 for additional information and if they experience any problems regarding the schedules.
Eskom will provide regular updates on the status of the power system through all the media platforms.
For tips on how to trim 10% off your consumption, please visit www.eskom.co.za/idm
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