Eskom has announced a change in the pattern of afternoon-evening load shedding this weekend due to an anticipated reduction in demand.
“As previously communicated, Stage 2 load shedding will continue to be implemented until 8 pm today,” the utility said on Friday.
“Thereafter, stage 4 load shedding will be implemented until 5am on Saturday in order to replenish emergency reserves.
Suspended during the daytime
“Load shedding will then be suspended from 5am on Saturday until 4pm, followed by stage 2 load shedding until 5am on Sunday, when load shedding will be suspended again until 4pm.
“Stage 1 load shedding will be implemented from 4 pm on Sunday until further notice.”
The utility provided the following schedule for clarity:
Anticipated lower demand
Eskom said the reduction of load-shedding to lower stages is a result of an anticipated lower weekend electricity demand and the expected return of 1 500 MW generation capacity by Sunday.
“Tonight’s peak demand forecast is 26 027MW. Eskom will publish a further update on Sunday afternoon, or as soon as there are any significant changes.”
Decline at coal power stations
This comes days after new data from the 600-page report produced by German engineers at the behest of the National Treasury showed just how severe the decline in performance of some of Eskom’s coal-fired power stations has been.
On a percentage basis, the energy availability factor (EAF), or a measure of available capacity, has roughly halved since 2010.
The three power stations, Tutuka, Duvha, and Kendal, could boost output by about 3 000MW MW—equivalent to three stages of load shedding—if they performed in line with the best-performing large stations in its coal fleet. Together, these three stations are capable of generating 10 000MW.
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