Load shedding averted total black-out

CHIEF executive of state power utility, Eskom, Brian Dames confirmed to the media at a briefing in Johannesburg on Friday, 7 March, that the first emergency load shedding implemented since 2008, which was declared on Thursday, 6 March was lifted that night.

“This was a painful yet necessary decision to protect the electricity power system from a total black-out. A total black-out would have significant consequences on the South African economy.

Eskom’s power stations are old and the system is tight. Any event impacting 1500MW, could have a significant impact on the availability of supply.”

He said while Eskom was committed to providing early warning, this was the earliest it could communicate, as the system status changed rapidly in the early hours of the morning of 6 March.

“Eskom is in a better position than in 2008 to manage the situation. Experience and knowledge of managing this complexity, appropriate emergency and communication protocols are in place. There is open and transparent communication with stakeholders, including the media. The system will remain tight up to the end of Summer and throughout Winter, until a substantial part of the build programme delivers capacity. It remains important for all customers to maintain or achieve 10% electricity savings especially in the commercial, industrial and residential sectors.

The constrained power system was further impacted by a number of events.

“The continuous rain in the last few days resulted in poor coal quality, resulting in additional load losses at our power stations and Eskom utilised all emergency reserves at its disposal.

Over and above the use of emergency reserves, there was a shortage of 3000 MW at 8am. To manage the frequency levels and to protect the national system from total collapse, controlled load shedding was implemented immediately and unavoidably at short notice. The stage three load shedding resulted in a 20% reduction in demand, enabling national control to balance the system.