As of today, 6 November, Eskom’s systems are still severely constrained as the result of the unplanned breakdowns at some power units.
Eskom has said that while some restorations have been made through planned and unplanned maintenance, they are still struggling to meet the current demand for electricity.
Read the initial article here:
https://roodepoortrecord.co.za/2019/11/06/loss-of-generating-units-leaves-electricity-systems-vulnerable/
In the statement, Eskom said that since Monday, it has increased the use of pumped water storage and diesel generators. The extensive use of these emergency resources has led to a decline in the pumped water storage and diesel levels.
If the strain on the system continues for a long period and emergency resources have to be used, the probability of load-shedding will increase. “A concerted effort is being made to replenish these reserves,” said Eskom, adding that the system is being closely monitored.
Contingency measures have been implemented to compensate for the lost emergency reserves, and supplement them. Eskom hopes that these contingencies will prevent load-shedding, or, if it is unavoidable, at least minimise it.
Eskom has said that there is still a probability of load-shedding at short notice, should there be any shifts in the system, but updates will be given later today.
Residents are urged to use their electricity sparingly throughout the day, to take some strain off the systems.
Eskom have provided a few tips to assist with energy saving, but residents have been advised to keep checking their load-shedding schedules.
• The use of air conditioners is understandable, but people using them are asked to keep them at an average of 23°C.
• Switch off geysers during peak times.
• Use the cold water tap to avoid excessive usage of the geyser.
• Set your swimming pool pump cycle to run twice a day for three hours at a time for optimal energy use.
• At the end of the day, or when they are not in use, turn off computers, copiers, printers, and fax machines at the switch. Avoid standby or sleep mode.
