#PowerAlert: Probability of load shedding to increase this evening

Eskom has warned that the probability of rotational load shedding will increase during the evening peak period from 5pm – 9pm tonight, due to the normal expected increase in demand.

The power utility said in a statement on Monday morning that should rotational load shedding be implemented today it would be for a period of up to four hours.

“Eskom will advise if rotational loadshedding will be conducted in either stage 1, stage 2, stage 3 or stage 4, dependent on the capacity shortage,” Eskom said in their statement.

“Loadshedding is conducted as a measure of last resort to protect the power system from a total collapse or blackout.”

Eskom’s prognosis is that the power system will take up to approximately ten days to recover from the effects of the recent industrial action, once all staff eventually return to work today.

Understanding loadshedding – our infographic explains it simply pic.twitter.com/amtXphUCzD

— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) June 17, 2018

The estimated ten-day prognosis for full restoration is due to the effects of the industrial action which interrupted continuous processes at the power plants.

These processes have now to be cleared out and restarted which would take additional time.

These include:

• Coal management and transportation, such as the inability to transport coal from coal stock yards to coal bunkers due to the absence of operating staff. In addition the already low coal stockpiles at some stations were exacerbated by road closures as coal delivery had to be suspended.
• Significant increase in plant outages and a bottleneck in routine maintenance due to the lack of resources to optimally operate the plant; such as ash clearing and mechanical failures that occurred during the period.
• In addition, Eskom is currently managing diesel levels at their peaking plants at 50% to ensure that sufficient diesel generation is available for emergencies.

“Increase in production and full stability can only increase and be achieved with the return of employees today. We will continue to re-assess our prognosis during the week.”

Power consumption can be lowered by switching off geysers, pool pumps, heaters and non-essential appliances in the peak period between five in the afternoon and eight in the evening.

The utility added it is load shedding according to published load shedding schedules which are available on the Eskom website HERE.

If you are a direct Municipal customer click HERE.

Schedules provided by KwaDukuza Municipality:

Ballito

Stanger

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