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Johannesburg - Eskom continues to face challenges in the absence of significant additional capacity being brought on line, warned Minister of Public Enterprises Lynne Brown on Thursday.
“Eskom has had to balance the vital maintenance tasks with capacity needs. Summer saw risks of load shedding arise due to maintenance priorities,” Brown said at an Eskom media briefing.
“Load shedding is not taken lightly and in March it was only taken after all available options had been explored.”
She warned that any major unforeseen pressure on the power system could mean load shedding.
“The threat of Eskom not being able to meet demand remains. As we head into winter with its high demand, Eskom will reduce maintenance in winter in effort to keep the lights on,” she said.
Therefore, SA has to actively manage the evening peak times.
She wants to ensure Medupi gets online as soon as possible and she sees positive progress in delivering on the additional capacity programme.
“I want to again urge that electricity be used sparingly. It remains extremely tight during winter. We will keep the country updated on a daily basis. Switch off non-essentials when we make the call. That way we can keep the lights on. Every little bit counts,” said Brown.
“Eskom has had to balance the vital maintenance tasks with capacity needs. Summer saw risks of load shedding arise due to maintenance priorities,” Brown said at an Eskom media briefing.
“Load shedding is not taken lightly and in March it was only taken after all available options had been explored.”
She warned that any major unforeseen pressure on the power system could mean load shedding.
“The threat of Eskom not being able to meet demand remains. As we head into winter with its high demand, Eskom will reduce maintenance in winter in effort to keep the lights on,” she said.
Therefore, SA has to actively manage the evening peak times.
She wants to ensure Medupi gets online as soon as possible and she sees positive progress in delivering on the additional capacity programme.
“I want to again urge that electricity be used sparingly. It remains extremely tight during winter. We will keep the country updated on a daily basis. Switch off non-essentials when we make the call. That way we can keep the lights on. Every little bit counts,” said Brown.
