Despite having suspended load shedding, Eskom says its system remains constrained and it may be forced to implement stage 2 of the rolling blackouts on Friday between 16:00 and 00:00 and possibly during the weekend. The embattled parastatal has attributed the decision to a shortage of generation capacity owing to breakdowns and delays in returning…
INCREASED DEMAND EXPECTED THIS WEEKEND
In addition, Eskom has warned that the cold front anticipated this weekend will likely result in increased demands, which adds to the capacity constraints and potentially leading to more load shedding. Residents have thus been urged to continue using electricity sparingly, so as to avoid exerting more pressure onto the national grid.
The utility says one unit as its Koeberg Nuclear Power Station had to be shut down after a mechanical problem was encountered during routine testing and is expected to undergo repairs.
“In order to rectify this, the unit has been safely shut down in accordance with safe nuclear operating procedure and the nuclear regulations. It has not yet been determined how long the repairs will take, but it could be up to five days, whereafter the unit will ramp up over three days. During this period the probability of loadshedding has increased,” said Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha.
Eskom adds that the breakdown of two generation units at Hendrina Power Station and the delays in several units returning to service at its Kendal, Komati, Kusile and Tutuka power stations during the last 24 hours have put a severe strain on the power generation system.
“During the same period, Eskom teams have returned to service a generating unit each at Kriel and Matla power stations. Eight generating units are expected to return to service by Monday evening. We currently have 4 526MW on planned maintenance, while another 14 574MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns”Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha
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