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Stage 2 load-shedding declared by Eskom
JOHANNESBURG – Eskom has announced that it will be implementing Stage 2 load-shedding today, 5 December due to a severely constrained system.
Eskom would like to inform South Africans and all its customers that the electricity system is severely constrained. In the power alert issued earlier today (5 December), Eskom informed that unplanned breakdowns were at 12 300MW, and that there was a probability of load-shedding at short notice if unexpected shifts, such as additional unplanned breakdowns, were experienced.
The power utility said that they have experienced a loss of additional generation. As a result, it has become necessary to implement Stage 2 rotational load-shedding from 4pm until 11pm today in order to protect the power system from a total collapse.
In the System Status Briefing of 4 September 2019, Eskom warned that in order to avoid load-shedding, unplanned breakdowns needed to be contained at below 9 500MW. In the event that generator breakdowns are experienced beyond 10 500MW, there will be high usage of emergency resources (diesel and pumped storage generators), which may lead to load-shedding if the supply constraints are sustained for a long duration, explained Eskom.
Eskom also said that the severe supply constraint being experienced has come about due to high levels of unplanned breakdowns that have exceeded the 10 500MW limit. “We unreservedly apologise to South Africans for the negative impact this may have on them and want to assure the nation that we continue to work tirelessly to ensure the security of energy supply.”
Eskom also explained that a concerted collective effort to reduce demand can help to avoid or lessen the level of load-shedding. “And as such, we strongly urge customers to assist by helping to reduce demand by using electricity sparingly.”
Customers are advised to do the following:
• 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 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 standby or sleep mode
Eskom added that customers are advised to check their load-shedding schedules on the Eskom or municipal websites. “We remind customers that load-shedding 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.”
Related article:
https://midrandreporter.co.za/226240/stage-2-load-shedding-begins/
