South Africa: Load shedding is back
Wed 16 October 2019:
Eskom said there was a possibility that the latest round of load shedding would last at least a week.
Stage two load shedding was implemented at 9 am on Wednesday and is expected to last until 11 pm.
This was due to a lack of generational capacity, the power utility said.
In a statement released on Wednesday morning, Eskom said: “The severe supply constraint being experienced has come about due to high levels of unplanned breakdowns that have exceeded the 10,500 megawatts limit. The supply constraint is caused by, among others, five generating units that are unavailable due to boiler tube leaks.”
FIND: Your load shedding schedule
It also apologised to customers: “We unreservedly apologise to South Africans for the negative impact this may have on them and want to assure the nation that we continue to work tirelessly to ensure the security of energy supply.”
Speaking on 702’s Eusebius McKaiser Show, Eskom COO Jan Oberholzer said: “Yesterday, we didn’t anticipate to lose two units and another one overnight. This has, unfortunately, brought us to the state that we’re in.”
Eskom said two of its units capable of producing 1,200 megawatts collectively tripped unexpectedly on Tuesday night.
This was due to a boiler tube leak and an object which was found inside a part.
Oberholzer said they were also caught off guard but were working to resolve capacity issues.
Last week, the struggling SOE also said it would be challenging energy regulator Nersa’s latest tariff decision, warning that it would result in another financial disaster.
Nersa granted Eskom increases of 9.4% and 5.2% over three years while the utility had asked for 21%.
Stage two load shedding means those affected areas will be without power for about four hours.
The power utility also urged residents to continue using electricity sparingly throughout the day by:
• Setting air-conditioners’ average temperature at 23ºC;
• Switching off your geysers over peak periods;
• Using the cold water tap rather than using the geyser every time;
• Setting your swimming pool pump cycle to run twice a day, three hours at a time for optimal energy use;
• And at the end of the day, turning off computers, copiers, printers and fax machines at the
switch. Avoid standby or sleep mode.
A debilitating round of power cuts in February and March dented first-quarter economic output and reminded investors of the uphill struggle President Cyril Ramaphosa faces to revive Africa’s most industrialised economy.
Eskom produces more than 90% of the power in South Africa but has been hobbled by technical faults at its fleet of coal-fired power stations as well as a financial crisis that has severely hurt its liquidity position.
The government plans to split Eskom into three units for generation, transmission and distribution to make it more efficient. It is also giving Eskom bailouts to keep it afloat.
MUNICIPAL INFORMATION
If your municipality is an Eskom customer, you can look your schedule up on the Eskom website by typing in your area’s name.
For load-shedding schedules affecting the City of Johannesburg, you can visit www.citypower.co.za, or call 086 056 2874, or follow them on Twitter @CityPowerJhb.
For load-shedding schedules affecting the City of Tshwane, you can visit www.tshwane.gov.za, or call (012) 358-2111/(012) 427-2111, or follow them on Twitter @CityTshwane.
For load-shedding schedules affecting the City of eThekwini, you can visit www.durban.gov.za, or call 080 13 13 111, or follow them on Twitter @eThekwiniM.
If you live in the Mangaung Metro Municipality, you can visit www.mangaung.co.za, or call 0800 111 300. You can also visit www.centlec.co.za or call 086 007 6937.
SIMPLE TIPS
With the resumption of Eskom’s load-shedding across South Africa, the city encourages its residents to plan ahead and to follow a few simple tips to ensure that they stay connected, healthy and safe.
Communication: Ensure that your cell phone, laptop, tablet and radio are always fully charged when power is available. This will allow you to be able to communicate with friends and family during load-shedding
Transport: Make sure that your vehicle always has fuel in the tank as most petrol stations are unable to pump fuel during power outages
Have you checked your schedule and prepared yourself for loadshedding? Prepare yourself by doing the following ???@SowetoUrban @Sandton_News @Fourways_Review @MthathaExpress @sekhukhunetimes @Dispatch_DD @PolokwaneObserv @ZOPublications @freestate_times @dailysunsa pic.twitter.com/vfT6lkpw4b
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) March 17, 2019
Cash: Keep some cash on you as ATMs cannot operate without electricity
Security and safety: Backup batteries for electrically operated gates, garage doors and security systems should be kept in a good working condition and be able to last through periods of load-shedding. Store temporary lighting such as battery-powered torches, gas lamps and candles in places where they will be easy to find in the dark
Eating: If you do not have a gas stove, prepare meals before the power is scheduled to be switched off. Boil water in your kettle and keep it in thermos flasks for hot drinks. You can also use an insulating cover on teapots, pots and pans to keep drinks and meals warm
Medication: Most medication requiring refrigeration can be kept in a closed fridge for several hours without spoiling, but you should check with your doctor or pharmacist if in doubt
Traffic lights: intersections with traffic lights that are not working because of load-shedding should be treated as four-way-stops. The motorists who stops first may proceed first if the way is clear and safe to do so. Please stay calm and follow defensive driving techniques
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