Power system under ‘severe pressure’

Power system under ‘severe pressure’ – Eskom

By Samantha Allen

Published: October 7, 2021 | 10:05 AM GMT

Eskom on Thursday urged the public to reduce electricity usage following a series of breakdowns at its generating units.

The power utility said severe pressure on the power system had led to an increased use of its emergency generation reserves.

The power utility said although it is currently not anticipating the implementation of load shedding, the situation could change at short notice.

The country has not experienced load shedding since 22 July this year.

“Total breakdowns amount to 14 925MW while planned maintenance is 4 759MW of capacity. Should there be any further breakdowns; Eskom might be forced to implement load shedding at short notice.

“While Eskom expects a number of generating units to return to service from breakdowns during the course of the next few days, we urge the public to reduce the usage and to continue using electricity sparingly to assist in avoiding load shedding,” said the power utility in a statement. – SAnews

About Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is a seasoned journalist and senior correspondent at TDPel Media, specializing in the intersection of maternal health, clinical wellness, and public policy. With a background in investigative reporting and a passion for data-driven storytelling, Samantha has become a trusted voice for expectant mothers and healthcare advocates worldwide. Her work focuses on translating complex medical research into actionable insights, covering everything from prenatal fitness and neonatal care to the socioeconomic impacts of healthcare legislation. At TDPel Media, Samantha leads the agency's health analytics desk, ensuring that every report is grounded in accuracy, empathy, and scientific integrity. When she isn't in the newsroom, she is an advocate for community-led wellness initiatives and an avid explorer of California’s coastal trails.