Eskom issues power alert due to constrained system

• 4 years ago (2020-07-09)
• David Flin

Africa 320 Distribution 122

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South Africa’s power utility Eskom has issued an alert level one, urging users to reduce electricity supply due to a constrained system. It said in a statement: “Eskom requests the public to reduce electricity usage as the power generation system is still severely constrained. This morning, one generation unit each at the Kendal and Tutuka power stations tripped, adding to the Tutuka unit that tripped yesterday evening.”

Eskom said that its teams were hard at work to return the units to service, but no timescale for their return has yet been given. It said: “While the Medupi unit that tripped earlier has been successfully returned to service, the power generation system remains constrained. Any additional breakdowns will compromise Eskom’s ability to supply the country through the peak demand period of 17:00-21:00. This constrained supply situation may persist through the weekend.” Eskom urged the public to cooperate in managing demand in order to help it supply the country’s demand through peak periods.