- This afternoon Eskom announced that it will move from Stage 4 loadshedding tp Stage 6 from 18:00 to 23:00, as a result of a shortage of capacity caused by a number of unexpected events.
- Stage 6 effectively means that Eskom will take out 6000 MW on a rotational basis.
- Eskom’s emergency response command centre and technical teams will be working through the night to restore units as soon as possible.
South Africa’s state owned energy utility Eskom has announced that it will implement stage 6 load-shedding after experiencing a number of unexpected events which include:
- The power supply to the incline conveyors feeding coal to the silos at Medupi power station failed causing coal-feeding issues resulting in a loss of a number of units.
- At Kriel, there was flooding at both the Kriel mine and the power station leading to no coal deliveries via the conveyor belt.
- Camden power station experienced abnormally high rain at approximately 250mm over the past week leading to flooding impacting the boiler and turbine hall and other critical infrastructure that is connected to coal supply and handling inside the station
Eskom assures customers that loadshedding is a responsible act and highly controlled process, implemented to protect the country from a national blackout. Stage 6 is no cause for alarm as the system is being effectively controlled as we take out 6000 MW on a rotational basis.
Eskom’s emergency response command centre and technical teams will be working through the night to restore units as soon as possible. Eskom is also working closely with large industry users to assist with further demand management and we are grateful.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
Source: Eskom
