The risk of more future load shedding is becoming less due to the increased generating capacity at the Majuba Power Station, which was at 1 400MW on Wednesday.
More units from Majuba were due to be synchronised to the grid late on Wednesday with the potential of increasing generating capacity to 3 200MW.
According to Eskom the recovery programme at the Majuba Power Station is proceeding well and has far exceeded expectations. Teams are working 24/7 moving coal from stock piles to the conveyer belts which are the link to the generating units.
The wet weather does pose a challenge, especially at Majuba, given that some of the coal handling is taking place out in the open.
“We have implemented a wet coal management strategy to ensure that the wet coal risk is reduced in our other power stations. It is, however, not possible to neutralise this risk completely, especially over periods of prolonged, high rainfall,” Eskom said in a statement issued late on Wednesday.
Dam levels at peaking power stations, which use water to generate electricity, are depleting, but projections are that if things stay as they are, the probability of load shedding during the rest of this week is low.
The weekend will be used to restore operating reserves and dam levels at pumped storage stations which will prepare Eskom for next week. “We anticipate being able to do this without needing any load shedding.”
In spite of this, the system will remain constrained today (Thursday). Projections indicate similar constraints next week. As such, Eskom appeals to consumers to reduce their electricity usage throughout the day but especially from 6pm to 10pm. Switch off geysers, air conditioners, pool pumps and all non-essential appliances to prevent the need for rotational load shedding.
Should Eskom need to go into load shedding, customers will be alerted as early as possible.
“While we will make every effort to avoid load shedding, we are hopeful that by applying these measures, coupled with support from all electricity consumers, we will achieve the required load reduction necessary to protect the national grid.”
Eskom’s load shedding schedules are available for Eskom direct customers on https://loadshedding.eskom.co.za/. Customers can also contact the call centre on 086-003-7566 for additional information.
Load shedding schedules will only be utilised for the duration of the constraint and Eskom will provide regular updates on the status of the power system.
For tips on how to trim 10% off your consumption, visit www.eskom.co.za/idm.
