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Cape Town - Eskom has indicated that the power system is set to be tight on Friday night, while urging consumers to use electricity sparingly as evenings begin to get nippy.
It said in a statement that the power system is expected to be constrained during this evening’s peak period between 17:00 and 21:00.
"We will use emergency reserves, open cycle gas turbines (OCGTs) and pumped storage schemes to augment capacity while the maintenance drive is underway."
The power utility also encouraged all customers to use electricity sparingly. It said this will help enable technicians to carry out the maintenance of power generating units.
"As the evenings begin to get a little chilly, we urge electricity users to consider energy efficient ways of keeping warm."
Help save electricity
According to the power utility all consumers can help beat the peak by following these four actions:
- Switching off your geysers, electric heaters and pool pumps from 17:00 and 21:00 every day
- Switching off unnecessary appliances and lighting
- Look at alternative heating solutions
- Responding to the Power Alerts and Power Bulletin updates
READ: No load shedding? Don't get too optimistic, warns expert
Earlier this week, energy expert Chris Yelland warned that the chances of load shedding during the evening peak are high. He also said in winter the evening peak between 17:00 and 22:00 was more pronounced and open to regular load shedding.
At the time Yelland also said the fact that Eskom is turning to its emergency reserves, OCGTs and pumped storage schemes to augment capacity while it embarked on a massive plant maintenance drive does not augur well for the rest of the week.
"Eskom normally uses weekends to build up diesel stocks and dam water levels for OCGTs and pumped storage schemes. If these emergency reserves are depleted, we can expect added pressure this week."
Acting Eskom chief executive, Brian Molefe, said in a statement at time that the maintenance drive over the last long-weekend was to ensure long-term reliability and sustainability of the power generating plants ahead of the winter season.
Also read:
Eskom: Maintenance work carried out successfully
Exclusive interview with Eskom's acting CEO
Load shedding survival guide: Plea for Eskom to play open cards
