This is why we have load shedding again
High levels of unplanned breakdowns have exceeded the 10 500MW limit
Various factors played a role in Eskom being forced to introduce stage 2 load shedding on Wednesday morning.
The system has been severely strained this week as a result of the loss of additional generations, delays in the return to service of units that are on planned maintenance and limited diesel supply.
The severe supply constraint experienced came as a result of high levels of unplanned breakdowns that have exceeded the 10 500MW limit.
Eskom warned in September that in order to avoid load shedding, unplanned breakdowns needed to be contained at below 9 500MW.
The supply constraint is caused by five generating units that are unavailable due to boiler tube leaks. In addition, a conveyer belt supplying Medupi Power Station with coal failed on Saturday. As a result low volumes of coal are supplied to the substation, limiting the generating capacity to about half the station’s output.Eskom said due to the coal shortage, the pumped storage and OCGT generators have been used extensively since Saturday, which led to a decline in dam levels and diesel tank levels.
