This is Eskom’s contingency plans for tropical storm Eloise

Eskom confirmed on Friday 22 January 2021 that it has “put in place contingency plans for the tropical storm Eloise” before they category-1 cyclone hits the eastern and northern parts of South Africa over the coming days.

“Eskom has assessed the risks and the possible impact on our infrastructure and the provision of electricity. […] Our teams are on standby to do everything possible to mitigate these risks. Several plans are in place in anticipation of the storm”.

Tropical storm Eloise: Eskom’s contingency plans

‘Wet coal’ procedure

Eskom said in a press statement that it “will be covering a wider area than what is predicted by weather specialists” to ensure they are “not caught off guard.

Unfortunately, the storm’s biggest impact will be felt in Mpumalanga, where most of Eskom’s power stations are situated. The power utility is concerned that the storm may reach Lephalale.

Eskom will implement “wet coal” contingency plans. Heavy rainfall for four or fewer days does not pose a significant threat. Continuous heavy rainfall for more than four days, however, hampers coal handling.

Eskom power stations and transmission lines

Apart from ash dam constraints in Mpumalanga, Eskom explains that the storm “will also cross transmission lines which import approximately 1 000 MW of power into South Africa from Cahorra Bassa in Mozambique”.

“While these lines and towers were reinforced a few years back after flooding downed towers, the two lines do still remain vulnerable during a tropical storm such as Eloise”.

To mitigate the risks, Eskom placed additional staff to attend to faults as the need arises. In addition, Eskom is calling on consumers to “exercise patience when they have outages as the safety of staff is paramount”.

The power utility will be working closely with the National Disaster Management Centre, as well as the Provincial Disaster Management Centres in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and KZN, and local authorities.

Here’s what Eskom needs from you

Eskom calls on consumers to follow these guidelines.

• Eskom urges customers to “treat all electricity infrastructure as live”.

• Any fallen lines or pylons must be reported

• Consumers must steer clear of exposed cables, damaged collapsed or low-hanging cables overhead power cables.

• Use electricity sparingly during the storm to avoid unnecessary pressure on the system.

When will tropical storm Eloise make landfall in South Africa?

Extreme rainfall brought on by tropical storm will hit South Africa’s eastern Lowveld, as well as regions of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, and Northern KwaZulu-Natal on 24 and 25 January 2021.

In addition, upwards of 200mm is likely to fall to the east to the east of Nelspruit; Phalaborwa and Giyani will be bracing for a 150mm deluge. Gauteng and the North West will be hit on 25 to 26 January, but not as severely.

Moreover, northern parts of Gauteng will get a maximum of 15mm rainfall as the storm winds down. That said, the SAWS warns that impact as a result of the storm could result in flooding and damage to roads and bridges.

At the time of publishing, Cyclone Eloise approaching Mozambique. Read more here.