/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Today Eskom releases its 265th update on the state of the power system. Eskom’s system status bulletin is released twice a week in line with its commitment to regular and transparent communication on the power system, which is expected to be constrained for the foreseeable future.
 
According to forecasts, electricity demand is expected to increase significantly over the evening peak today due to the cold weather, with no cushioning should anything unexpected occur. We urge customers to reduce their electricity usage, especially in the early evening (17:30 to 18:30), as the power grid is expected to be under severe pressure during this time.
 
The system is expected to be tight over the evening peaks for the rest of the week due to the cold forecasted weather.
 
Eskom calls on all consumers to pull together to help beat the peak over the next few months by using electricity sparingly particularly from 5pm to 9pm. We request all electricity customers to save at least 10% of their electricity usage and sustain these savings. Residential and commercial customers can make the biggest difference by switching off geysers and pool pumps during peak hours (5pm – 9pm); switching off non-essential lights; using space-heating efficiently and responding to the Power Alerts messages.
 

Trends in the supply and demand of power in South Africa are as follows:
 
Today (Monday 28 July): The capacity available to meet this evening’s peak demand is 35 000 MW (including open cycle gas turbines) while demand is forecast 34 718 MW. Current planned maintenance stands at 2 700 MW. Unplanned outages are 5 400 MW.
 
Peak demand and available capacity for the rest of this week is forecast at (please note that these are estimates and will likely differ from the actual figures):
 
Tuesday (29 July): The capacity available to meet tomorrow’s evening peak demand is 35 209 MW (including open cycle gas turbines) while demand is forecast 34 403 MW.
 
Wednesday (30 July): The capacity available to meet that evening’s peak demand is 35 209 MW (including open cycle gas turbines) while demand is forecast 34 317 MW.
 
Thursday (31 July): The capacity available to meet that evening’s peak demand is 34 540 MW (including open cycle gas turbines) while demand is forecast 34 076 MW.

The demand in electricity tends to decrease from Friday, going into the weekend. The capacity available from Friday, through to Sunday, is therefore expected to meet forecast demand as follows (please note that these are estimates and will likely differ from the actual figures):
 
Friday (1 August): The capacity available to meet that evening’s peak demand is 33 290 MW (including open cycle gas turbines) while demand is forecast 32 347 MW.
 
Saturday (2 August): The capacity available to meet that evening’s peak demand is 33 425 MW (including open cycle gas turbines) while demand is forecast 31 940 MW.  
 
Sunday (3 August): The capacity available to meet that evening’s peak demand is 33 672 MW (including open cycle gas turbines) while demand is forecast 32 465 MW.
 


Yesterday (Sunday 27 July): Peak demand of 32 240 MW met by available capacity of 34 207 MW.
 
Saturday (26 July): Peak demand of 31 651 MW met by available capacity of 34 356 MW.
 
Friday (25 July): Peak demand of 31 461 MW met by available capacity of 34 113 MW.
 
Thursday (24 July): Peak demand of 33 438 MW met by available capacity of 34 861 MW.
 
We urge all South Africans to partner with us to save 10% of their electricity usage especially during peak periods, from 5pm to 9pm.  This will make it significantly easier to manage the power system during this challenging time, while also enabling us to do planned maintenance to ensure the reliability of our plant. For tips on how to trim 10% off your consumption, visit http://www.eskomidm.co.za/residential