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Eskom says it is in better position to manage load shedding

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Eskom is in a much better position to manage load shedding than in the last episode in 2008, Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba said today.

Editor: Before you start rejoicing, examine carefully what old Maswervy said – “in a much better position to manage load shedding” and NOT in a better position to REDUCE load shedding. Pull the other one Maswervy, and REDUCE load shedding to make it all better for hard hit taxpayers and others who contribute to keeping Eskom barely afloat.

Eskom, which produces about 85% of its electricity from coal, started load shedding, which will affect numerous parts of the country up until about 10pm today. This after declaring a power emergency this morning.

Eskom has depleted dry coal stockpiles at some power stations due to the rainy weather conditions. This has contributed to severe system constraints due to lower power output as a result of wet and poor quality coal.

Editor: So last time it was a stray bolt and this time you couldn’t afford covers for the coal – good one guys, good one or am I being too harsh and it really hasn’t rained for the last FIVE years?

Last night, Eskom lost three units at Kendal Power Station in Mpumalanga. It has had to reduce output at other power stations, Duvha in particular, which is getting its conveyor belts reconstructed following a fire in December 2013.

Editor: So you lost three units – maybe you better get on and go and find them? Have you reported the theft to the SAP yet? See related article – Duvha Power Station – an Exercise in Incredulity

“Load shedding is done as a last resort to protect the national system from a total blackout, which would have significant impact on the economic developments of South Africa,” said Minister Gigaba.

In the case of a total blackout, it can take up to weeks to return to normality.

“Although, this is the first time load has been shed since 2008, Eskom is in a much better position to manage the situation than they were then… They have the skills, experience and the knowledge, with a robust risk and early warning protocol in place.

“They have also developed communication protocols with municipalities and various stakeholders,” said the minister.

The load shedding will impact all customer segments throughout the country. It will be implemented nationally on a rotational basis, as per Eskom’s load shedding schedules available on the Eskom website (http://loadshedding.eskom.co.za/.) – SAnews.gov.za

See Port Elizabeth’s Load Shedding Schedules here: Domestic Load Shedding Schedules: 3 March to 6 April 2014.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.

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Comments

  1. It still boils down to the fact that the decision makers of Eskom are unable to act proactively in situations like this. Are they even thinking ahead? Do they have scenarios and solutions in place?

    Blaming it on wet and poor quality coal is a crap excuse. Things like that can be prevented, for example, ever heard of regularly testing the coal?

    What it boils down to is that the infrastructure crap and so is the management.