Staff Reporter.
Eskom is pleading with the public to reduce the usage of electricity as the power system is under severe pressure, which may lead to a high probability of load shedding.
“A shortage of generation capacity, caused by breakdowns in generation units and delays in others returning to service, has resulted in supply constraints,” the power utility explained.
While no load shedding is expected at this point, Eskom warned that it could be forced to implement stage one or two at short notice between 5pm and 10pm on Tuesday evening should any further breakdowns occur.
“Your assistance in these difficult times has always made a difference. Eskom would like to appeal to the public to help the country get through these constraints by reducing the usage of electricity.”
However, the current outlook for the remainder of the week is expected to improve, as Eskom teams are working tirelessly to return more generators to service.
The statement said breakdowns are currently totalling 14 857MW of capacity, while another 2 20MW is unavailable due to planned maintenance.
“Eskom will communicate promptly should there be any significant changes to the system.”
Meanwhile,Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan said a Just Energy Transition Office has been established to manage the socio-economic impact of the transition from coal to renewable energy sources. He said Eskom’s social compact was signed in December 2020 to address its operational and financial challenges.
“The Medupi power station is almost complete, with the last unit ready for commissioning by July 2021.”
Gordhan said the Kusile power station’s units 2 and 3 have been brought into commercial operation in October 2020 and March 2021 respectively.
He added that power utility has been recovering money that was stolen by companies doing business with it.
The management of Eskom’s debt, he said, is one of the key priorities to return the entity onto a sustainable path.
The entity is continuing to implement its cost reduction initiative, with a saving of R13.5 billion achieved in the 2021 financial year.
“Most notably was the R83 billion reduction in debt in the 2021 financial year, from R484 billion to R401 billion due to the repayment of the maturing debt and changes in the exchange rate.
The Minister also spoke about the need to resolve municipal debt.
“Eskom’s consumer debt continues to escalate which currently stands at R45.1 billion – of which 78% is owed by municipalities, 17% by Soweto. The Inter-Ministerial Committee headed by the Deputy President is leading the effort in resolving the municipal debt challenges, “he said