Eskom is concerned about the pressure caused by the cold front. Photo: Eskom/ SA Weather Service/ Twitter
Eskom: Weekend cold front to strain power supply
Eskom anticipates pressure in the grid due to the cold front making its way into many parts of the country this weekend.
Eskom is concerned about the pressure caused by the cold front. Photo: Eskom/ SA Weather Service/ Twitter
While Eskom is working tirelessly to avoid long hours of loadshedding, the power utility cautioned about severe pressure this weekend due to the cold front.
ESKOM WORRIED ABOUT CHILLS THIS WEEKEND
Eskom said, “The power system, however, remains under severe pressure and there is a high possibility that loadshedding will continue to be implemented at varying stages. The cold front expected this weekend is anticipated to further increase the demand for electricity, adding to the capacity constraints, especially at evening peak hours from 17:00 until 21:00”.
ALSO READ: Eskom working HARD to avoid higher stages of loadshedding
COLD TEMPERATURES IN PARTS OF THE COUNTRY TODAY
According to the South African Weather Service, today’s rainfall forecast shows drizzle over the eastern parts of Limpopo and Mpumalanga, with isolated showers and rain in KwaZulu-Natal along the Dolphin coast and adjacent interior.
“This can be alleviated if all consumers switch off heating and high-consumption appliances during the peak hours,” Eskom advised.
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LOADSHEDDING RECOVERY STRATEGY UNDERWAY
The power utility added that it continues to drive generation recovery initiatives which are aimed at preventing the current performance from deteriorating in the short term and improving the overall performance of the generation fleet in the long term.
“The root causes of the persistent plant breakdowns will also be addressed through the Generation Recovery Programme. There have been some improvements recently, including several power stations achieving an energy availability of 70% in March as well as the suspension of loadshedding on some days. Certainly, Eskom does not want to implement loadshedding if at all possible”.
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Eskom
“It is to be noted that loadshedding is implemented as a last resort to maintain the stability of the national power system.”
Eskom has also vowed to continue to provide regular updates on the power system through the various communication platforms.
“We thank those South Africans who do heed the call to use electric sparingly and help to alleviate the pressure on the power system,” the power utility concluded.
