Load shedding sparks concerns over energy reliability

ENERGY experts have raised concerns about the reliability of Eskom's energy supply after the power utility unexpectedly implemented load shedding on Wednesday night following the loss of five generation units.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

This announcement marked Eskom's fourth load-shedding declaration this year, leading to significant disruption during peak energy demand hours.

Prof Vally Padayachee, an energy expert and former Eskom generation executive manager, said that Eskom had, prior to the last four loadshedding declarations, made reasonable progress in its generation recovery efforts.

"However, on Wednesday, it faced the loss of five generation units before the evening period. The loss of five generating units before and during this Wednesday evening peak period necessitated the implementation of Stage 2 load shedding for 10-and-a-half hours overnight," he said.

Padayachee added that this seemed to be a new cause or challenge that has "reared its head" as two of these units were "cross-border related" emanating from the Cahora Bassa hydro-dam in Mozambique.