Eskom hopes to avoid load shedding until July
Eskom has assured households and big businesses not to expect load shedding during the early stages of winter, due to accumulation of the much needed power generation during the lockdown.
On Monday, the power utility said relief came as a result of the lockdown, which resulted in many big businesses – especially mines and similar industries, which consume a lot of electricity – being forced to lower their operations.
Last month, President Cyril Ramaphosa, when he initially announced the 21-day nationwide lockdown, only ordered coal mines which supply coal to Eskom to operate optimally, but the rest of the gold, diamond and iron ore mines, whose employees were not categorised as essential workers, were told to stay at home.
The transport industry was also severely affected, as the government suspended the operations of Gautrain and commuter trains, including passenger trains, which also consume a lot of electricity. Big retailers in the food industry were also forced to close.
A few days after the declaration of the lockdown, Eskom announced a significant drop in the demand for electricity. It also took some generation units off the grid.
At the time, Eskom spokesperson Sikonathi Mantshantsha said they had to shift their focus on carrying out short-term maintenance and other repairs, in their bid to optimise the generations units to meet the rising demand.
Read the full story on: IOL.