Since last Thursday, Eskom has faced setbacks due to multiple generating units being taken out of service (ten generating units). A total of five generating units (50%) were taken out of service due to boiler tube leaks. This resulted in insufficient generation capacity. Additionally, the delay in returning three units from planned maintenance also contributed to inadequate generation capacity and increased reliance on emergency reserves. The need to replenish the emergency reserves and inadequate generation capacity necessitated the implementation of Stage 6 loadshedding until further notice. An update on the power system’s status will be provided on Sunday afternoon.
Unplanned outages are at 17 798MW of generating capacity, while the capacity out of service for planned maintenance is at 6 653MW.
Eskom Power Station General Managers and their teams have since returned a total of three generating units and continue to work diligently to ensure that an additional 2,400MW of generating capacity is returned to service by Monday morning.
Eskom’s evening peak demand tonight is 25 087MW.
We would like to appeal to members of the public to use electricity sparingly and efficiently, including switching off geysers and pool pumps from 17:00 to 21:00. This lowers demand and helps in alleviating the pressure on the power system, contributing to lower stages of loadshedding.
