As the new week begins, power utility Eskom said that no loadshedding expected today [Monday] and the rest of the week, despite a constrained and vulnerable system.
“With unplanned breakdowns just below 9 500MW as at 07h00 today, the probability of loadshedding is low for today, and the rest of the week,” Eskom said, adding that “but should there be a significant shift on the system, we may need to loadshed at short notice.”
Eskom added that there is sufficient diesel for its open cycle gas turbines and water at the pumped storage schemes to supplement the shortage of capacity, if required.
“The Emergency Response Command Centre (ERCC) continues to monitor the system closely.
“Eskom wishes to remind customers that any unexpected shift, such as additional unplanned breakdowns or the unavailability of diesel for open cycle gas turbines or low water levels at the pumped storage schemes, could result in loadshedding at short notice,” the utility added.
“As communicated in the Summer Plan on 4 of September 2019, unplanned breakdowns above 9 500MW require the use of emergency resources at a high rate and they increase the probability of loadshedding if the supply constraints are sustained for a long period.
“A concerted collective effort to reduce demand can help to lessen the level of loadshedding. And as such, we strongly urge customers to assist by helping to reduce demand by using electricity sparingly.”
How to avoid loadshedding today
- Set air-conditioners’ average temperature at 23ºC
- Switch off your geysers over peak periods
- Use the cold water tap rather than using the geyser every time
- Set your swimming pool pump cycle to run twice a day, three hours at a time for optimal energy use.
- At the end of the day, turn off computers, copiers, printers and fax machines at the switch. Avoid stand-by or sleep mode.
“Customers are advised to check their loadshedding schedules on the Eskom or municipal websites,” Eskom said.
“We remind customers that loadshedding is conducted rotationally as a measure of last resort to protect the power system from a total collapse or blackout.
“We will continue to keep South Africans informed about the status of the electricity system.”