Eskom reports stability in power supply ahead of winter challenges

ESKOM has assured the country that system remains stable despite being constrained on the back of rising demand as a result of inclement weather conditions.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

The State-owned power utility on Friday said it would add 2 550MW to the grid on Monday, and thus rotational load shedding will not be necessary if unplanned outages stay below 13 000MW.

"While system constraints are occasionally experienced, adequate emergency reserves are in place and are being strategically deployed to support demand during the morning and evening peak periods, particularly as the country prepares for a forecasted cold spell in the coming week," it said.

Eskom added that it was making steady progress as they move beyond the peak maintenance season, with the Planned Capability Loss Factor (PCLF) having decreased from last week’s average of ~4 883MW to this week's (30 May to 5 June) average of ~4 035MW.

"As a result, the Energy Availability Factor (EAF) has been recovering as expected, now fluctuating between 61% and 64% since Monday.