Eskom warns of possible load shedding
Eskom has urged residents to use electricity sparingly, adding that the power generation system is severely constrained. File picture: Bhekikhaya Mabaso / African News Agency (ANA) Eskom has urged residents to use electricity sparingly, adding that the power generation system is severely constrained. File picture: Bhekikhaya Mabaso / African News Agency (ANA)
Eskom on Thursday cautioned that there was a high risk of load shedding during peak hours as the electricity grid was severely constrained.
"While Eskom is working hard to return generating units to service, the possibility of load shedding during the peak demand hours is high. We request the public to reduce electricity usage as the power generation system is severely constrained," it said.
Possibility of loadshedding during evening peak is high. Eskom urges the public to reduce electricity usage. @News24 @eNCA pic.twitter.com/GY5LqeJuX4
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) July 9, 2020
South Africa has not seen scheduled blackouts for almost four months as power demand dropped while the country was placed under lockdown in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, the power utility said supply was compromised because one generation unit at its Tutuka plant in Mpumalanga had tripped, while another had been taken off-line, along with a unit at Lethabo.
At the same time, the return to service of generation units at Duvha and Kendal power stations, both in Mpumalanga, had been delayed.
"All of these have added significant pressure to the generation system," the company said.
It warned that any additional breakdowns would compromise Eskom’s ability to supply the country through the peak evening demand period of 5pm to 9pm.
9 July 2020
17:00
Our power system is under severe pressure - Please switch off all unnecessary lights, your geyser, pool pump and non-essential appliances. pic.twitter.com/1K2A7zgMey
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) July 9, 2020
"This constrained supply situation may persist through the weekend," it added.
The public was therefore urged to help manage demand by using electricity sparingly to avert the need for load shedding.
Eskom has sent out a number of warnings about constrained supply in the past month since most sectors of the economy reopened as lockdown restrictions were eased to level 3 and winter weather set in across the country.