By: Sello Theletsane
Power utility Eskom has warned of possible load shedding if its system continues to experience generation breakdowns.
Eskom on Tuesday said while no load shedding had been implemented, it requested the public to reduce the usage of electricity as the power system was severely constrained.
“Loadshedding may be required at short notice should any further generation breakdowns occur, or should some of the generating units not return to service as expected,” Eskom spokesperson Sikhonathi Mantshantsha said in a statement.
Also read: Cosas calls for the sacking of Pravin Gordhan and Andre de Ruyter
Over the past 24 hours, Eskom teams returned a generation unit each at Camden, Kendal, and Medupi power stations. However, over the same period, two-generation units, one at Arnot and another at Hendrina, tripped while a unit each at Arnot and Lethabo were forced to shut down.
“Total breakdowns currently amount to 15 852MW while planned maintenance is 4 036MW of capacity. Eskom would like to remind customers and the public that loadshedding is implemented as a last resort to maintain the stability of the power system,” he said.
Eskom requested the public to continue using electricity sparingly and said it would communicate promptly should there be any significant changes to the power system.
The notice comes hours after the nation went to the polls to vote in the local government elections. The power cuts were amongst the promises in the parties’ manifestos in their plea to attract voters.
