Wednesday,
15 July 2020: Due to
the much colder weather, demand for electricity has significantly increased
this afternoon. It is currently more than 2 000MW higher than yesterday, and we
forecast that evening peak demand will still be much higher. This was already
the highest demand so far this year at more than 33 000MW. This, together
with generation units that have suffered breakdowns, is putting severe strain
on the system. Eskom is working hard to return these generation units to
service to help reduce the strain on the system.
While
we appreciate the cold weather, Eskom urges the public to assist by switching
off heating appliances, geysers and other appliances.
Stage
2 loadshedding will continue until 22:00 tonight, and will then be suspended
for the night. Tomorrow loadshedding will resume at Stage 1 from 09:00 until
14:00, before moving to Stage 2 until 22:00.
Eskom
teams this afternoon managed to return one generation unit to service at the
Tutuka power station. This, however, was countered by a generation unit each at
the Medupi and Kusile power stations tripping, contributing to the constrained
capacity. This adds to one delayed generation unit at the Tutuka and one at
Kendal. Eskom teams are working hard to return these generation units to
service.
Eskom
assure the public that implementing loadshedding is the last resort, in order
to protect the national grid.
We
will communicate should there be any significant changes to the supply
situation.
ENDS