Eskom doing ‘level best’ to avoid grid collapse
Eskom says it's doing its level best to ensure the country does not experience a total collapse of the power system.
The power utility gave an update on the state of the grid on Sunday.
This after it announced that it's implementing stage 6 load shedding.
It's been struggling to keep the lights on as more generating units breakdown at their power stations resulting in frequent blackouts.
Eskom CEO André de Ruyter admitted they've been facing a number of challenges.
"If we do not implement load shedding, what is likely to happen is that we will then see the frequency deteriorate to the point where we are unable to operate the grid in a stable fashion and once that happens then of course you have what is known as a total blackout.
"So load shedding is a tool that we use through our system operator, who are doing a magnificent job in managing the various stages of load shedding and making sure that we maintain adequate reserves to comply with the requirements of the grid code, precisely to avoid a total system collapse," said De Ruyter.
De Ruyter said they are working around the clock to ensure the situation returns to normalcy.
"We are expecting 18 generators at our power stations which is just above 9 gigawatt to return to service. Now I can assure the public of South Africa that all hands are on deck at the power stations ensuring the successful return of these units."
