Load shedding remains suspended. Picture: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers
Load shedding has been suspended for 163 consecutive days and Eskom achieves a R12 billion reduction in diesel expenditure it announced on Friday.
The power utility said a structural shift in the performance of the generation fleet continues to yield positive results and thus load shedding remains suspended.
Eskom spokesperson, Daphne Mokwena said this achievement includes a winter period free from load shedding, a milestone last reached six years ago in 2018, despite the highest contracted demand reaching a peak of 33,385MW recorded on July 9.
“In the past seven days, Eskom has not utilised its Open Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs), resulting in diesel expenditure of R3.62 billion from April 1 to 0September 5, 2024. This is a 77% reduction compared to the R15.74 billion spent during the same period last year. Eskom’s Energy Availability Factor (EAF) averaged 66% over the past week, with top-performing stations such as Kusile, Grootvlei, Kendal, Lethabo, Matla, and the peaking stations maintaining an EAF above 70%.
“Additionally, two other power stations sustained an EAF above 60%. The continued improvement in the generation fleet’s performance is attributed to the recovery plan, accelerated maintenance, collaboration with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and the dedication of power station managers and their teams,” Mokwena said.
She said operational efficiency has exceeded summer expectations, with unplanned outages averaging between 10,000MW and 11,060MW over the past week.
Friday’s unplanned outages stand at 7,969MW, which is 5,031MW lower than the summer 2024 base case. The last comparable performance was on August 8,2021, with unplanned outages at 8,801MW.
“As of today, Eskom’s available generation capacity is 30,643MW, with an evening peak forecast of 26,345MW for September 6. Eskom announced in August its outlook for the summer period, September 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025, that detailed a likely scenario of a load shedding-free summer outlook due to structural generation improvements. This remains in force,” Mokwena said.
Eskom said it continues to face network overloading issues in certain local areas due to illegal connections, vandalism, meter tampering, unauthorised network operations, theft of network equipment, and purchasing electricity from unlicensed vendors.
“To prevent public safety hazards and the risk of network overloading which can lead to load reduction measures and extended unplanned power outages, Eskom strongly urges customers to avoid illegal connections, as this can negatively impact the entire local community. It is also essential for customers to ensure they purchase electricity only from authorised vendors.
“Eskom implores the public to play an active role in safeguarding the integrity of the power network by reporting any illegal activities to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323,” Mokwena said.
robin.francke@iol.co.za
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