Eskom threatens the SA economy and wellbeing of inhabitants
Eskom has warned that it could implement elevated levels of power cuts higher than stage 6 load shedding in a bid to safeguard the national grid if it experiences further multiple unplanned breakdowns.
This comes as the perpetually struggling power utility burnt through six million litres of diesel in one day on Wednesday when it ramped up load shedding to stage 6 indefinitely.
Stage 6 load shedding means that Eskom has to shed 6 000MW to protect the integrity of the national grid and to avoid a national blackout, curtailing at least six hours of electricity supply during crucial business hours.
Eleven generators, amounting to 5 084MW of capacity, suffered breakdowns since Tuesday morning, leaving Eskom with 5 739MW on planned maintenance while breakdowns accounted for 18 041MW of lost capacity.
In email correspondence with Business Report yesterday, Eskom reiterated that the country would experience prolonged load shedding over the next few months as major capital projects and repairs reduce the available generation capacity.
The utility said that as a result,when there is insufficient generation capacity to maintain the supply and demand balance, the system operator would reduce the customer demand to match the available capacity. “The load shedding stage implemented is dictated by the available capacity as well as the customer demand for electricity,” it said.
