Lentswe, Klerksdorp - Load-shedding remains suspended after almost 90 days of suspension. Eskom announced on Friday June 14 that load-shedding continues to remain suspended until further notice, due to the continued improvement in the reliability and stability of the generation coal fleet. The last time South Africa experienced such an extended suspension of load-shedding was the period between July 23, and October 6, 2021.
Eskom said its generation performance continues to surpass the winter forecast for this year and that the current unplanned outages average is at 12 000MW.
With the ongoing colder weather, Eskom will strategically utilise, as planned in its winter outlook, its peaking stations, including the Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs), to meet the high electricity demand during the morning and evening peaks. Eskom’s diesel usage remains below its published winter forecast and year-to-date budget. The usage continues to be significantly lower compared to the same period last year.
The winter forecast, published on April 26, anticipated a likely scenario of unplanned outages at 15 500MW and load shedding limited to Stage 2.
Preventing network overloading and risk to life:
As demand for electricity rises and temperatures fall with the onset of winter, the issue of network overloading has resurfaced in some areas due to electricity theft. This theft encompasses a wide range of activities, including illegal connections, network equipment theft, vandalism, meter bypasses, tampering, unauthorized network operations, and purchasing electricity from illegal vendors.
To prevent risk to life and network overloading, which may result in load reduction, Eskom urges customers to reduce their consumption while load shedding is suspended.
Additionally, customers should ensure that their electricity is legally connected and purchased from authorized vendors and report any illegal activities to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722.
Eskom will provide an update on the state of electricity supply on Friday June 21.
