There is a low to medium probability of load shedding this week, says Eskom.
On Monday, the power utility said while the power system remains tight and vulnerable, the probability of load shedding is minimum.
“We continue to use open-cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) and emergency reserves to limit the possibility of load shedding. Some power generating units are projected to return to service later in the week,” it said.
This comes as employees of Optimum Coal Mine protested against their employer in demand for salary payments on Monday.
It was reported that the workers did not receive their salaries for the month of November. Workers had blockaded the road leading to the Hendrina power station, and also the entrance of the Optimum Coal Mine.
Located in Mpumalanga, Hendrina is one of the 10 power stations with less than 20 days of coal stockpiles at its coal stockyard. Any protracted disturbances could have detrimental impact on the power station.
“The Eskom multidisciplinary teams continue to work tirelessly on the Nine-Point recovery plan to improve generation and operational performance while also stabilising the system. We encourage residents and businesses to please use electricity sparingly to ease the demand for electricity,” Eskom said.
The power utility appealed to its customers to switch off geysers as well as all non-essential lighting and electricity appliances to assist in reducing demand.
Customers are also advised to keep checking their load shedding schedules on the Eskom or municipal website, and plan on the assumption that load shedding will take place.
For Eskom customers, load shedding schedules are available on the Eskom website http://loadshedding.eskom.co.za. Eskom customers can also contact our customer contact centre at 0860 037 566. – SAnews.gov.za
