South Africa’s power utility company Eskom on Friday said it will be suspending loadshedding over the long weekend.
This is due to the sustained improved performance of generation availability as well as the anticipated lower demand over the long weekend.
It said Stage 2 loadshedding will be implemented at 16:00 this afternoon until 05:00 on Saturday.
Thereafter, loadshedding will be suspended over the long weekend and will resume at Stage 1 from 05:00 on Tuesday.
“During the long weekend, Eskom will address minor defects on some generating units by performing planned maintenance. Eskom will closely monitor the power system and communicate any changes to loadshedding should it be required,” the company said in a statement.
Breakdowns are currently at 14 364MW of generating capacity while the capacity out of service for planned maintenance is 5 731MW.
Over the past 24 hours, a generating unit each at Arnot and Kendal power stations was taken offline for repairs.
The anticipated return to service of a generating unit at Kendal Power Station has been delayed, further contributing to the current capacity constraints.
Eskom said their teams are working tirelessly to return these generating units to service.
Eskom’s load forecast for the evening peak demand is 27 406MW. We appeal to the members of the public to continue reducing demand by switching off non-essential appliances.
“We would like to thank those who do heed the call to use electricity sparingly and efficiently, including switching off geysers and pool pumps from 17:00 to 21:00, as this lowers demand and helps in alleviating the pressure on the power system and contributes to lower stages of loadshedding,”Eskom concluded.
Source: httsp://energynewsafrica.com