Loadshedding scheduled until Friday
Late Friday afternoon Eksom released a press statement stating that the power system were extremely constrained. This was due to unforeseen technical problems at power stations, depleted water reserves and logistical issues relating to diesel supplies at the peaking power stations.
MBOMBELA – Just when Lowvelders thought they would have a weekend free of loadshedding, it striked again. Lowvelder were informed by Eskom and the Mbombela Local Municipality that no loadshedding was scheduled for the past weekend, however, residents experienced it numerous times.
Late Friday afternoon Eksom released a press statement stating that the power system were extremely constrained. This was due to unforeseen technical problems at power stations, depleted water reserves and logistical issues relating to diesel supplies at the peaking power stations.
Eskom had to implement stage two to three of loadshedding. The change in stages was due to the shutdown of two of Eskom’s open-cycle gas turbine power stations which use diesel to generate electricity. The diesel reserves were depleted at Gourikwa and Ankerlig gas turbines, leading to the shutdown of the power stations.
The Drakensburg and Palmiet pumped storage schemes which use water to generate electricity, reduced output as a result of depleted water reserves. Consumers can help alleviate pressure from the system by reducing their electricity usage as much as they can. Eskom also asked major customers to contribute by reducing their usage by 10 per cent. Lowvelders will have to keep the candles close as loadshedding is scheduled until Friday.
