Eskom warns of ‘unpredictable’ plant performance

WHILE the electricity generating system remains constrained and vulnerable, no load-shedding is expected today (Monday).

This is according to Eskom, which said the probability of load-shedding remains should there be an unexpected shift.

As at 6am, breakdowns remained marginally below 9 500MW and ‘good progress’ had been made over the weekend to replenish diesel for the open cycle gas turbines, and to increase water levels at the pumped storage schemes.

The power utility’s Emergency Response Command Centre (ERCC) continues to monitor the situation hourly.

The situation this morning is that, while the intention is not to implement load-shedding, the generating plant performance is unpredictable.

‘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 water levels at pumped storage schemes, could result in load-shedding at short notice.’

Unplanned breakdowns above 9 500MW increase the probability of load-shedding as they require the use of emergency resources at a high rate.

What you can do to minimise electricity consumption

• Set air-conditioners’ average temperature at 23ºC

• Switch off geysers over peak periods

• Use the cold water tap rather than using the geyser every time

• Set 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, avoiding stand-by or sleep modes

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