Eskom has announced it may implement load shedding at short notice as the power system is severely constrained.
The power utility says over the past 24-hours, two generation units, one at Arnot and another at Hendrina, tripped while a unit each at Arnot and Lethabo were forced to shut down.
Eskom Spokesperson, Sikonathi Mantshantsha says should any further breakdowns occur they will be forced to load shed.
“Eskom requests the public to reduce the usage of electricity as the power system is severely constrained. Load shedding may be required at short notice should any further generation breakdowns occur, or should some of the generating units not return to service as expected. Eskom would like to remind customers and the public that load shedding is implemented as a last resort to maintain the stability of the power system,” says Mantshantsha.
IEC notes Eskom’s announcement
The Electoral Commission(IEC) on Tuesday noted Eskom’s announcement regarding the possible load shedding. The IEC outlines its plans should the load shedding be implemented.
Last week, Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Jamnadas Gordhan assured the public that there would be no load shedding during the election period, including during the counting of votes in South Africa.
South Africans voted in the Local Government Elections on Monday and vote counting continues on Tuesday. The announcement came after a week of load shedding and power outages in the country.
Minister Gordhan and Eskom leadership brief the media [ 27 October 2021]
Eskom | Power utility’s management team presents the State of the System briefing [ 25 October 2021]
Eskom CEO on what is causing load shedding
Eskom CEO Andre de Ruyter also outlined the reasons behind the load shedding across the country – saying the securing of power reserves ahead of election day has been among the factors that necessitated the planned power cuts.
De Ruyter was addressing an online media conference along with Gordhan last week.
