Eskom
Eskom, South Africa’s power utility, has successfully suspended loadshedding for 135 consecutive days, a streak that began on 26 March 2024. This milestone was confirmed by Eskom in a statement released on Friday, 9 August 2024, highlighting the company’s commitment to ensuring a stable and uninterrupted power supply throughout the winter period.
This achievement is particularly significant, as it marks the longest period without loadshedding since the beginning of Eskom’s current financial year on 1 April 2024. The success of Eskom’s Generation Operational Recovery Plan has not only kept the lights on across South Africa but has also led to a substantial financial saving. Eskom reported a R9.59 billion reduction in diesel expenditure for Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs) from 1 April to 7 August 2024, compared to the same period last year.
A New Era of Energy Stability
The last time South Africa experienced such an extended period without loadshedding was over four years ago, when a 116-day suspension occurred between 16 March and 9 July 2020. The current 135-day suspension has exceeded expectations and is a testament to Eskom’s improved management and operational strategies.
Eskom’s statement proudly noted that over the past seven days, the utility maintained an average Energy Availability Factor (EAF) of 68%, a key indicator of the reliability and availability of the power stations. In July 2024, Eskom achieved an EAF of 67.41%, the highest since July 2021, with multiple power stations, including Medupi, Majuba, Matla, Lethabo, and Kusile, recording an EAF greater than 70%. Additionally, four more stations achieved an EAF above 60%, underscoring the effectiveness of Eskom’s recovery efforts.
Significant Reductions in Diesel Costs and Unplanned Outages
The ongoing suspension of loadshedding has been accompanied by a significant reduction in unplanned outages, with the Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) on a downward trend at 25.99% for the financial year to date. This is an improvement from 34.78% during the same period last year, representing an 8.8% enhancement. The average unplanned outages of Eskom’s generation units for the past seven days were 10,508 MW, a sharp decrease from 15,605 MW during the corresponding week last year.
Eskom’s operational efficiency also translated into substantial savings on diesel. From 1 April to 7 August 2024, the utility’s diesel consumption for OCGTs was 509.42 GWh, a reduction of approximately 73% from the same period last year, when Eskom spent R13.07 billion. This year, the expenditure stood at R3.48 billion, reflecting the company’s improved management of resources.
Despite these successes, Eskom continues to face challenges related to network overloading, primarily due to illegal connections, vandalism, and unauthorised operations. In response, Eskom has launched the “Save Your Transformers, Save Lives” campaign, urging communities to avoid illegal connections and report suspicious activities.
Looking Forward
As Eskom moves forward, it remains committed to maintaining the suspension of loadshedding while addressing ongoing challenges. The utility has planned the return of approximately 3,690 MW of generating capacity by Monday, 12 August 2024, further strengthening its ability to meet the country’s energy demands.
Eskom will continue to provide regular updates, with the next scheduled for Friday, 16 August 2024, or sooner if significant changes occur.
Read all our publications on magzter:
________________________
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube
#centralnewsza
Read More⬇️⬇️