Wednesday, 19 August 2020: Due to the severe constraints in the power generation
system, Eskom will continue to implement Stage 2 loadshedding starting at 09:00
until 22:00 tomorrow. While Eskom teams have today and yesterday successfully
returned three generation units to service, a further three units tripped, two
of which have returned.
Three generators were returned to
service at the Duvha, Tutuka and Hendrina power stations. A single generation
unit at Tutuka has not yet returned to service.
Unplanned breakdowns stand at
12 100MW of capacity, adding to the 4 350MW currently out on planned
maintenance. Any further deterioration in the generation performance may
therefore necessitate the escalation of loadshedding at short notice.
As the aged generation infrastructure
is unreliable and volatile, this constrained power system is expected to
persist for the rest of the week, particularly as the cold front hits.
We urge the people of South Africa to
help reduce electricity usage in order to assist Eskom to reduce the instance
of loadshedding and keep the lights on.
ENDS