No load-shedding this week, here is Eskom’s reason

Many South Africans have been able to wake up to switch on their kettles, lights and watch TV in the comfort of their homes without the interruption of load-shedding for the past 12 consecutive days.

This was despite Eskom warning South Africans to expect power cuts to continue throughout the winter period, especially during peak periods.

On Monday, the parliamentary portfolio committee on public enterprises conducted an oversight visit to Medupi power station in Lephalale, Limpopo.

The committee heard from the power station management that the delays in completion of Medupi and Kusile power stations had been contributing to the problem of load-shedding in the country.

The executives conceded that the delayed completion of the two mega projects (Medupi and Kusile), ageing power stations and inadequate maintenance were contributing to the unreliability of electricity supply in the country.

“As a country, we are worried about the problem of load-shedding. We hope these two plants will assist in changing the situation. We cannot grow the economy without an efficient energy supply,” said committee chairperson Khaya Magaxa.

Magaxa said the committee, however, appreciated the progress at Medupi, where the main construction was almost complete, and the current work of fixing defects was underway.

The construction of Medupi began in 2007 and to date, an amount of R123-billion has been spent on the coal-powered electricity plant.

So here is the reason why many South Africans have not endured blackouts recently.

Since June 11, Eskom suspended load-shedding after supply constraints had eased and weather conditions had improved.

Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha said load-shedding had also paused due to a series of small but significant steps and victories.

“These significant steps and victories are responsible for the consistent supply of electricity at this point.”

Mantshantsha said the Koeberg unit 1 was generating full power after a prolonged outage since January.

“About seven generation units have returned to service over the past two weeks, helping ease the demand pressure.”

He said Eskom was now able to supply about 30 000MW of power throughout the day during this winter, up from an average 27 000MW in October/November. During the winter evening peak, this increases to just over 33 400MW on average.

“While the lights may be on for now,” Mantshantsha said, “Eskom wish to remind the public that the possibility of load-shedding remain elevated, especially, during the winter.

“We, therefore, urge the public to continue using electricity sparingly.”