- Due to a shortage of generation capacity, coupled with the higher demand due to the colder weather, South Africa’s state owned energy utility, Eskom, will be implementing Stage 2 loadshedding at 05:00-16:00 tomorrow.
- Loadshedding will then be increased to Stage 4 during the evening peak period of 16:00-24:00 tomorrow.
- It is anticipated that Stage 2 will be implemented at 05:00-24:00 on Friday.
“This loadshedding will also assist in recovering emergency generation reserves, which have been utilised extensively to meet the increased demand over the last few days, ” the said in a press release this morning.
The delay in returning a generation unit to service each at Arnot, Koeberg and the Kusile power stations, as well as the unplanned breakdowns of a generation unit each at Camden, Grootvlei, Lethabo, Majuba, Medupi and two units at Hendrina power stations, have exacerbated the capacity constraints the utility explained. Some generation units are anticipated to return to service over the next few days.
“While the return of Unit 2 of the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station is anticipated for Friday night, should there be further delays, or other unit breakdowns, loadshedding might have to be extended into the weekend. Eskom will promptly communicate any further significant changes.” said Eskom.
Eskom currently has 2931MW on planned maintenance, while another 15 040MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
Source: Eskom
