- The increase in the demand for electricity due to the cold weather, particularly on Monday and Tuesday, was anticipated, however this demand exceeded what was forecasted.
- Eskom is obliged to carry generation reserves to cater for unforeseen events.
These reserves were used on Monday and Tuesday to buffer the effects of the cold weather. Unfortunately, due to the failure of additional generation units since Sunday, the reserves have been depleted and can no longer buffer the lingering effects of the cold weather and make up for the lost generation capacity. Therefore, Stage 6 loadshedding will continue to be implemented over the weekend to replenish the depleted emergency reserves to permit a possible reduction in the stages of loadshedding in the coming week. Eskom will publish another update should any significant changes occur.
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Breakdowns are currently at 17679MW of generating capacity while the generating capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 3090MW.
The following generating units are contributing to the current capacity constraints:
- A generating unit each at Grootvlei, Hendrina, Lethabo, Tutuka, two generating units at Arnot, Matla and three generating units at Kriel power stations have been taken out of service since Sunday.
- A generating unit at Kendal and two generating units at Tutuka power stations have been delayed to return to service.
Eskom’s twitter update indicates a push to level 7 loadshedding currently at 6432MW:
Eskom assures that teams are working tirelessly to return these generating units to service. It is anticipated that eight generating units will be returned to service in the next few days.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
