Eskom does not expect to implement loadshedding during the COVID-19 national lockdown. Demand for electricity has dropped by more than 6 000MW on Thursday afternoon, with further demand reduction anticipated during the lockdown.
In order to protect the integrity of the system, Eskom has started taking some generation units off the grid. These units are available to return to service at short notice should the need arise.
Eskom has had to postpone the philosophy maintenance for the duration of the lockdown as we have to keep the number of workers on site at a minimum. We have instead shifted the focus to carrying out short-term maintenance and other repairs in order to optimise the generation units to meet the rising demand after the lockdown.
Unplanned outages or breakdowns were at 9 116MW as at 16:15 today and planned maintenance outages are at 5 279MW.
Eskom advises that as an essential and critical services supplier, some of its personnel are exempt from the provisions of the lockdown. As such, we do not expect any impediments to the generation and supply of electricity during this period. Our suppliers, particularly the coal mines, logistics suppliers and those supplying the parts and maintenance services at our power stations, will be able to operate during the lockdown.
