Load shedding is here to stay
Country is far from a national blackout but load shedding is likely to be a reality for the next few months - says Eskom.
Eskom has once again said it is cautiously optimistic that it will be able to limit load shedding.
The country has experienced load shedding for several weeks now due to limited generating capacity and ongoing problems at existing power plants.
Eskom’s Andrew Etzinger said recently the power grid has been severely constrained.
“At the moment, there is a high demand for electricity and that is due to the wet conditions in Gauteng.”
But for now, he said there is no intention to implement load shedding.
“The power grid is stable at the moment so we don’t expect load shedding.”
It has however, been reported that some unplanned outages were experienced around Johannesburg yesterday.
Diesel reserves are expected to run out towards the end of the week, meaning rolling blackouts still remain a possibility over the next few days.
Earlier, both the ANC and the DA called on Eskom to complete the Medupi and Kusile Power Stations as soon as possible to avoid further load shedding.
Eskom Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Tshediso Matona gave an extensive briefing about the state of the country’s power system.
He explained what is to be expect over the next few weeks.
The utility has assured customers that the country is far from a national blackout but has warned load shedding is likely to be a reality for the next few months.
Matona emphasised that there’s no crisis.
It has also been reported that Eskom said there will be a low risk of load shedding on Christmas Day.
The utility is still responsible for virtually all of South Africa’s power supply.
