This week, we have some more positive news other than the Boks making it through to the semi-finals of the world cup! Eskom has suspended load-shedding for today, and the outlook and possibilities for load-shedding happening for the rest of the week remains a very low possibility. This is is despite the continued constraints and vulnerabilities that exists with the current power grid. In a statement released by Eskom, they mention that the system has improved and this was largely as a result of several energy generating units coming back online and returning to service after the completion of planned as well as the unplanned maintenance. On it’s current status, they power utility had the following update:
“Eskom continues to replenish diesel reserves for the open cycle gas turbines which enable us to avoid and/or minimise loadshedding. Repairs are progressing well on the conveyor belt at Medupi power station, which should reach full capacity by the end of the week.
“We remind customers that despite this progress, the power system is constrained and while every effort is made to avoid loadshedding, it could be implemented at short notice should there be a significant shift in plant performance and increased unplanned technical breakdowns.
“Customers are encouraged to continue to use electricity sparingly. Please switch off geysers as well as all non-essential lighting and electricity appliances to assist in reducing demand. As we are experiencing a heat wave in some parts of the country, we ask that you use your air conditioners efficiently at 23ºC.”
Earlier in the week the utility blamed the current wave of power cuts, which began on Wednesday, on boiler leaks and the breakdown of a conveyor belt transporting coal to Medupi power station. Make sure to keep up to date with the current situation and avoid being left in the dark at “short-notice”.