Eskom urges all residents to ‘Live Lightly’
ESKOM reported on its significant achievements during winter last week, attributing its success in keeping the lights on, to hard work, discipline, delivery of goals and support from customers who heeded the call to switch off from 5pm to 9pm.
There has also been progress with its new build programme. Public Enterprises minister, Malusi Gigaba, said: “We undertook certain initiatives, including with the national broadcaster, to rally South Africans behind this collective effort to save electricity, particularly during the peak period. We did so knowing that efforts of one, whether positive or negative, could and would affect all others.
”I am happy, once more, to report that South Africans responded to our calls unequivocally, cooperating with our national call and taking action responsibility in their workplaces and households.”
Eskom chief executive, Brian Dames said almost two thirds of Eskom’s power stations are past the mid-point of their expected operating lives.
Of the nine power station units that Eskom had committed to maintaining during winter to ensure long-term sustainability of the plant, five have been completed, three are currently being serviced, and maintenance on the remaining one will be completed towards the end of this month.
Dames thanked customers for a magnificent performance so far. “We would like to thank all households that had heeded the call to reduce their usage when called upon, and we urge all South Africans to join us in making energy efficiency part of our lifestyles.
“Let’s ‘Live Lightly’ this summer and help the country to keep the lights on while at the same time reducing our impact on our planet.
“The system outlook remains tight in summer, with different challenges due to the summer load profile. Unlike winter, where the demand increases during the evening peak (5pm to 9pm), the demand profile during summer is much flatter with an increased demand profile throughout the day, due to air-conditioning and geysers.
”Unlike winter where residential customers had the greatest impact, during the summer, it is the commercial sector that can make the biggest difference.
”The challenge is to ensure that there is sufficient generation capacity throughout the day, as we continue with our maintenance plan and focus on reducing unplanned outages,” said Dames.
