No load shedding expected during coronavirus lockdown

Eskom says it does not expect to implement load shedding during the coronavirus (Covid-19) national lockdown.

Demand for electricity has dropped by more than 7 500MW since the start of the national lockdown and Eskom anticipates further demand reduction for the duration of the lockdown.

In order to protect the integrity of the system, Eskom has started taking some generation units off the grid. These units are available to return to service at short notice should the need arise.

Eskom has had to postpone certain maintenance for the duration of the lockdown as it has to keep the number of workers on site at a minimum.

ce continues to be conducted on units that are currently on planned outages."

• READ: Find your load shedding schedule

It has instead shifted the focus to carrying out short-term maintenance and other repairs in order to optimise the generation units to meet the rising demand after the lockdown.   

Eskom advises that as an essential and critical services supplier, some of its personnel are exempt from the provisions of the lockdown. Thereefore, it does not expect any impediments to the generation and supply of electricity during the lockdown period.

"Our suppliers, particularly the coal mines, logistics suppliers and those supplying the parts and maintenance services at our power stations, will be able to operate during the lockdown," it said in a statement.

- Compiled by Carin Smith