Extended Stage 6 Load Shedding: Unexpected Delays at Key Power Stations

#LoadsheddingUpdate Tuesday, 12 September 2023:

The anticipated return to service of a generating unit each at Kendal, Matla and Matimba power stations has been delayed, necessitating the continuous implementation of #Stage6 loadshedding until further notice. Eskom will publish another update should any significant changes occur.

Insights from the Electricity Minister: At Sunday’s press briefing, Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa laid bare the challenges:

• High, Unpredictable Demand: Eskom has been grappling with erratic demands.
• Frequent Outages: Eskom’s track record has been marred with several unplanned interruptions.
• Maintenance Overdrive: Post-winter, planned maintenance has witnessed a significant surge.

Yet, amidst the challenges, the minister remains hopeful. With the Kusile Power Station slated to augment the grid’s capacity in the upcoming quarter, he foresees improvement. But he candidly expressed, “the situation is likely to remain volatile.”

The minister didn’t mince words about the potential severity if planned maintenance clashed with spontaneous unit failures. He commented, “If (planned maintenance) coincides with a number of units failing on their own, then you are exposed. And the only option available to us is intensified load shedding.”

Highlighting Eskom’s and the government’s unwavering commitment, he concluded, “It is a calculated risk. We are going to do this the right way; we are going to fix these units. It’s a short-term pain for long-term gain.”

Also Read:   Partial Respite from Load Shedding: New Eskom Schedule Released

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