National Power Alert - Eskom
(Thursday, 18 January 2007) Eskom is currently experiencing a higher than planned number of generating unit outages along with a higher than expected demand for electricity during this period. This includes 900 MW from Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, which experienced an automatic and controlled shutdown of Unit 1 at 02:18 this morning.
“Eskom is experiencing unplanned outages of 4 600 MW due to technical generating plant problems. This is 3 000 MW higher than was anticipated for this period. The electricity demand is 1 000 MW higher than planned,” states Jacob Maroga, MD Transmission.
The automatic shutdown of Koeberg unit 1 was due to a trip of the turbine. The reactor is in a safe shutdown condition. The cause of the turbine trip is currently under investigation.
The national transmission grid remains stable, however the country is faced with a shortage of available generating capacity during this period. Eskom is using all pre-arranged emergency options, however this will not be sufficient to address the shortfall of electricity for today and possibly for the coming week.
In order to maintain the balance between demand and supply, mandatory load shedding will be implemented country-wide, as and when required.
“Eskom regrets and apologises for the situation. We are doing all that we can to normalise supply as soon as possible. In the mean time we appeal to everyone to assist by switching off non-essential electrical equipment such as air-conditioning, geysers and swimming pool pumps,” added Maroga
The situation will remain critical for the next week.
Eskom will provide regular updates.
For further information please contact:
Eskom’s Media Desk
011 800 5550
011 800 5310
011 800 4539
011 800 4508
011 800 4293
011 800 5877
011 800 5051
011 800 5941
“Eskom is experiencing unplanned outages of 4 600 MW due to technical generating plant problems. This is 3 000 MW higher than was anticipated for this period. The electricity demand is 1 000 MW higher than planned,” states Jacob Maroga, MD Transmission.
The automatic shutdown of Koeberg unit 1 was due to a trip of the turbine. The reactor is in a safe shutdown condition. The cause of the turbine trip is currently under investigation.
The national transmission grid remains stable, however the country is faced with a shortage of available generating capacity during this period. Eskom is using all pre-arranged emergency options, however this will not be sufficient to address the shortfall of electricity for today and possibly for the coming week.
In order to maintain the balance between demand and supply, mandatory load shedding will be implemented country-wide, as and when required.
“Eskom regrets and apologises for the situation. We are doing all that we can to normalise supply as soon as possible. In the mean time we appeal to everyone to assist by switching off non-essential electrical equipment such as air-conditioning, geysers and swimming pool pumps,” added Maroga
The situation will remain critical for the next week.
Eskom will provide regular updates.
For further information please contact:
Eskom’s Media Desk
011 800 5550
011 800 5310
011 800 4539
011 800 4508
011 800 4293
011 800 5877
011 800 5051
011 800 5941
Labels: South Africa - eskom
