Power: 'expect worst to come'

ANALYSIS: ERRATIC FLEET, POWER STATIONS TOO OLD

- Brian Sokutu

After public power utility Eskom yesterday suspended a fresh bout of load shedding that hit South Africa on Friday and Saturday, experts have cautioned against being optimistic about the future of uninterrupted energy supply.

Energy analysts Sampson Mamphweli and Tshepo Mahlaba cited the unpredictability of Eskom's coal fleet, optimism and old power stations, warning that the worst was yet to come.

The utility said it experienced a temporary setback, which forced it to implement a precautionary measure due to several breakdowns, primarily at two of our flagship power stations, which required extended repairs.

"This is to ensure that we maintain adequate reserves, allowing the power grid to remain reliable, stable and capable of handling unexpected challenges.

This is to assist us to protect the grid in cases where there is a need to rapidly replace sudden capacity lost when generators trip or there is a sudden increase in demand," said Eskom.