Electricity system still under severe strain

South Africa's power system remained under pressure in March, with the energy availability factor (EAF) stuck at 57.5%, virtually unchanged from February's 57.4%.

- Anathi Madubela

With winter coming and demand set to climb, doubts are growing about the utility's ability to keep the lights on.

This is according to Minerals Council South Africa's electricity update for February to March.

Minerals Council SA economist André Lourens said the average demand in March stood at 22 509MW, while dispatchable generation averaged 22 357MW – necessitating a total of 55 hours of load shedding during the month.