Eskom warnings

Eskom's energy supply sparked concern about the electricity generation ahead of the winter months.

Last week, Eskom announced a fourth load shedding declaration this year, leading to significant disruption during peak energy demand hours.

Professor Vally Padayachee, energy expert and former Eskom generation executive manager, said that Eskom had, prior to the last four load shedding declarations, made reasonable progress in their generation recovery efforts.

Padayachee added that this seemed to be a new cause or challenge that has “reared its head” as two of these units were “cross border related” emanating from the Cahora Bassa hydro-dam in Mozambique.

Padayachee warns: “Unless Eskom reaches an overall generation system Energy Availability Factor of 70% to 75% and a reserve margin [headroom] of total supply in excess of demand of 10% to 15%, then we unfortunately will still continue to experience these bouts of sporadic stages of load shedding.

“The forthcoming winter period is vulnerable because it is colder and the demand for electricity is much higher.”

Ruse Moleshe, managing director of RUBK, an energy and infrastructure consulting and advisory firm, said neighbouring countries like Mozambique and Zambia are also having power supply issues and SA can not rely on cross-border connectedness. 

He adds: We need to invest in more capacity. Eskom is a significant part of the solution, but not the only solution that can fully address our challenges.”