Friday, 24 January 2020: While the power system remains
constrained, no loadshedding is expected today. Eskom has enough capacity to
meet the demand for electricity. In addition, the emergency reserves, which are
diesel and water at our open cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) and pumped storage
schemes respectively, were replenished to adequate levels overnight and will be
utilised to supplement capacity, should the need arise.
Unplanned
outages were at 13065 MW as at 6:00 this morning, and our technical teams
continue to work hard to reduce them to 9 500 MW in order to increase
available capacity and limit the risk of loadshedding. However, owing to
inadequate maintenance over a number of years, their efforts are negated by the
loss of additional generating units.
We
request our customers to work with us by reducing their demand while we work on
improving the effectiveness of our maintenance. We are monitoring the system
closely and we will continue to give periodic updates on the status of the
power system as the outlook may change at short notice.
Using
electricity wisely assists us to avoid or limit the level of loadshedding.
Set air-conditioners’ average temperature at 23ºC
Switch off your geysers over peak periods
Use the cold water tap rather than using the geyser every time
Set your swimming pool pump cycle to run twice a day, three hours at a time for optimal energy use
At the end of the day, turn off
computers, copiers, printers and fax machines at the switch. Avoid stand-by or
sleep mode
ENDS