Eskom assures stability amid rising demand and winter challenges
Eskom in a statement on Friday assured the country that the system remains stable despite being constrained on the back of rising demand as a result of inclement weather conditions. The State-owned power utility said it would add 2 550 MW to the grid on Monday, 9 June, and thus rotational load shedding will not be necessary if unplanned outages stay below 13 000 MW. An energy expert believes that managing Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) will be key to managing high demand during the winter months.
Professor Vally Padayachee, energy expert and former Eskom generation executive manager, said that Eskom's assertion that the power system remains stable but constrained reflects the complex dynamics at play within our energy landscape. 'While it is commendable that we are witnessing a certain degree of stability, this is juxtaposed against the persistent challenges linked to generation capacity and maintenance backlogs.'
Padayachee added that the planned addition of 2,550 MW to the grid is promising and exemplifies Eskom's proactive approach to mitigating demand pressures, particularly ahead of the anticipated cold spell. 'However, it is essential to recognize that this augmentation of capacity is necessary to support an increasingly demanding grid, especially during peak usage times. The fact that Eskom has been able to reduce the Planned Capability Loss Factor (PCLF) to approximately 4,035 MW, down from 4,883 MW, suggests ongoing improvements in operational efficiency and maintenance practices.'
Padayachee said that nonetheless, sustained vigilance is critical, given that we still face high unplanned capacity loss. 'The current Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) of 28.93% is concerning. This metric underscores the need for further attention and resources to address the underlying issues causing these unplanned outages. Notably, the delay in returning Medupi Unit 4 to service exhibits how long-term maintenance projects can significantly impact reliability. As the unit is anticipated to return within June 2025, its reintegration will be pivotal for improving overall generation capacity.'
Padayachee added that the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) levels, fluctuating around 60% to 64%, indicate a gradual recovery; however, they remain below optimal performance levels. 'A year-to-date average EAF of 57.85%, which is down from 60.67% in the same period last year, further illustrates the detrimental effects of increased planned maintenance—now at 12.76% of total generation capacity.'
Padayachee said that looking forward, while the winter outlook does not currently indicate an imminent need for load shedding if unplanned outages remain controlled, we must adopt a proactive stance. 'However, if the UCLF increases to beyond 15,000 MW, we could see a return to load shedding, hopefully at lower levels. It is vital that Eskom and the broader energy ecosystem focus on sustainable practices, enhancing generation reliability, and strategic maintenance scheduling. Reducing illegal connections and energy theft is equally crucial, as these factors can lead to overloads and wider outages, further straining our grid.'
Padayachee added that as we navigate these winter months, he encourages all stakeholders—government, industry players, and consumers alike—to adopt a collaborative approach in managing energy consumption and ensuring efficient utilization of resources. 'Public education campaigns around the responsible use of electricity and the importance of adhering to legal electricity procurement will help alleviate some of the pressures on the grid. While Eskom's immediate measures are steps in the right direction, the outlook necessitates continual improvement in operational efficiency, robust maintenance strategies, and active public engagement to foster a more resilient power sector.'
BUSINESS REPORT
https://businessreport.co.za/
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Eyewitness News
13 hours ago
- Eyewitness News
DA unveils reforms to transform policies aimed at strengthening SOEs
JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA) has unveiled a series of reforms to transformation policies, most of which are aimed at strengthening state-owned entities (SOEs). During a media briefing in Johannesburg on Monday, the party presented its alternatives to the (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) BBBEE, the Employment Equity Act, and the Expropriation Act. While stressing that it's not against redress and transformation, the DA argues that these three laws are counterproductive. Party leader John Steenhuisen said fixing the public sector is key to an alternative to these policies. "The fifth reform of the sixth is one that is close to I'm sure everybody's feelings, and that is fixing local government. Coalition chaos, corruption and collapse of service delivery cannot continue, and we are championing a new law to stabilise local councils. This bill will set a minimum threshold for political parties to get a seat in the council." Steenhuisen said another reform and alternative to transformative policies is getting the basics right. "Secondly, no economy can grow without access to cheap, reliable electricity. We need to fix this energy crisis in South Africa once and for all by breaking Eskom's monopoly of electricity generation by creating a truly competitive energy market."
Mail & Guardian
15 hours ago
- Mail & Guardian
Dion George gives go ahead for new 4 000MW nuclear plant
Green groups warn of risks, including soaring upfront costs, the history of construction delays and budget overruns Forestry, Fisheries and Environment Minister The minister's decision, announced on Friday, came after he resolved under section 43(6) of the National Environmental Management Act (Nema), to dismiss the appeals from various environmental organisations, and confirm the environmental authorisation to Eskom for the planned 4 000 megawatt power station in Duynefontein. The proposed project is adjacent to the existing George said that he had carefully reviewed the environmental impact assessment report, as well as the 'In the end, my decision was made in respect of the principles of [the Act] … and with full appreciation of the environmental, social and economic considerations involved,' the minister said. The original decision to grant the environmental authorisation was made in October 2017. Various appellants challenged the decision, submitting appeals that ranged from comprehensive and detailed submissions to shorter, individual objections. George's decision does not automatically grant Eskom permission to begin with the construction or operation of the nuclear power station. The state-owned power utility is still required to obtain several additional statutory authorisations before proceeding in accordance with section 24(7) of Nema. 'As per section 24(7) of [the Act], the granting of an environmental authorisation does not exempt an applicant from complying with any other applicable legal requirements or obtaining permits from other competent authorities,' noted George. These authorisations include a nuclear installation licence from the National Nuclear Regulator; approval from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa; water use licences from the department of water and sanitation; as well as other relevant approvals such as those from the minister of mineral and petroleum resources. George emphasised that the protection and preservation of the country's environment is non-negotiable. He said his department supports the country's transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy future 'where inclusive growth, job creation and poverty reduction are central'. Earthlife Africa is considering George's decision, as well as its next steps, said Lekalakala, the director of the non-profit environmental organisation. 'Our concerns include the length of time taken to conduct the environmental impact assessment and to make the appeal decision,' she said. 'We are also deeply concerned about the In addition, there has been no assessment of the socio-economic impacts of a major beyond-design-basis nuclear incident, nor of the generation of long-lived high-level McDaid, the strategic lead of the Green Connection, another non-profit, agreed. 'In recent months, we've seen a 'We are in the middle of a climate crisis, and we should be using our abundant natural resources, such as solar and wind, which can be built quickly and deliver affordable power to homes. Nuclear is expensive, and, like other large projects, is plagued by long delays.' Nuclear power also carries significant risks, requiring costly additional regulation, 'and there is always the possibility of an accident'. 'Even after 40 years of operation, South Africa still has no proper plan for managing toxic nuclear waste — a huge problem that is often ignored in discussions about this dangerous technology … Right now, in the absence of an inclusive, people-centred energy plan, it appears that vested interests are driving individual projects without public consensus.'
The Citizen
15 hours ago
- The Citizen
Here is Gauteng's load reduction schedule for this week
Eskom's load reduction schedule indicates that several areas across Gauteng will continue to face scheduled power cuts during peak hours. This week, several Eskom-serviced areas across Gauteng will be hit with yet another string of scheduled load reduction power cuts. The utility's load reduction programme runs from Monday to Sunday. During the scheduled outages, residents and businesses can expect power cuts lasting approximately six hours in some areas and five hours in others, with different time slots for each. Affected areas under Eskom's load reduction schedule According to Eskom's load reduction schedule, multiple areas throughout the province should brace for power cuts during peak periods. Areas experiencing morning load reduction between 5am and 9am include Zuma, Mavimbela, Dube, Riverside and parts of Meadowlands. Other affected areas include Mofolo, Jabavu, Chiawelo and various settlements across Gauteng. Evening load reduction between 5pm and 10pm impacts regions including Protea Glen, Kagiso, Duduza and surrounding areas. Other affected zones include Westonaria, Dobsonville, Naledi, Zola, Mabopane, and various extensions in surrounding regions. The schedule operates on a seven-day rotation, with different areas affected on different days of the week. This structure affords residents some predictability about when they might experience power outages. This week, the affected areas include: Beverly Hills Daveyton Cosmo City Naledi Breswol Vosloorus Cuba Graceland Spruit View To see if your area is affected, click on or download the document below: READ NEXT: Eskom burns nearly R6 billion on diesel to keep lights on during winter
