By Thabo Mosia
Pretoria – Eskom, South Africa’s state-owned power utility, proudly announces the ongoing suspension of loadshedding operations, marking 93 consecutive days of power stability. This milestone is attributed to the dedicated efforts to enhance the reliability and performance of their coal generation fleet.
In a recent statement, Eskom highlighted the last time such an extended suspension occurred was between 23 July 2021 and 06 October 2021. Today, operational efficiency continues to exceed expectations, with current unplanned outages averaging at 12,000MW, and today’s figures recorded at 10,839MW, well below the winter forecast.
Key Performance Highlights:
Reduction in Unplanned Outages:
- The Unplanned Capacity Loss Factor (UCLF) has decreased to 27.1% for the financial year to date (1 April 2024 to 27 June 2024), a significant improvement from 35.1% in the corresponding period last year.
- This represents an 8.0% improvement in the current financial year when compared to the previous year in the same period.
Planned Maintenance:
- Ongoing planned maintenance of 5,566MW aligns with Eskom’s winter maintenance strategy. This is supplemented by short-term maintenance to ensure continuous plant reliability.
Sustained Energy Availability Factor (EAF) Improvement:
- The year-to-date EAF increased to 61.3%, marking a significant ~7% improvement compared to the same period last year, where the EAF was recorded at 54.3%.
- The weekly EAF has risen from 57.0% at the beginning of the financial year to 63.52% by the end of June 2024.
Strategic Utilisation of Open-Cycle Gas Turbines (OCGTs):
- OCGT usage remains significantly lower than in the past two years.
- Eskom reported a 6% decrease in spending on OCGTs, generating 534.79GWh from 1 April 2024 to 27 June 2024 compared to the previous year’s expenditure.
- The OCGT load factor was recorded at 6.30%, compared to 21.29% last year over the same period.
Managing Morning and Evening Peaks:
Eskom remains committed to effectively managing electricity demand during peak times, particularly between 17:00 and 22:00, utilising peaking stations, including OCGTs. Notably, diesel consumption has stayed under the projected figures for this winter and is considerably lower than the previous year’s usage.
A total of approximately 3,650MW of generating capacity is scheduled to return to service by Monday, 01 July 2024. Eskom’s projected evening peak demand for Friday, 28 June 2024, is 29,892MW.
Tackling Network Overload and Ensuring Public Safety:
With the colder weather increasing electricity demand, Eskom is addressing the recurrent issue of network overloading, largely due to illegal connections and other malicious activities. Customers are urged to moderate their electricity usage during the suspension of loadshedding and ensure lawful electrical connections. Eskom encourages the public to report any illegal activities to the Eskom Crime Line at 0800 112 722 or via WhatsApp at 081 333 3323.
Eskom will provide an update next Friday, 05 July 2024, or promptly communicate any significant changes as they occur.
_______________________________________
Download Here:
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
________________________
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