Eskom says power system is tight

The power system was expected to be stable but tight during the evening peak over the course of the week, Eskom said on Monday.

"Mild temperatures are forecasted for the next few days. Demand is expected to be lower on Wednesday, due to the public holiday," Eskom said in a statement.

On Monday, available capacity to meet peak evening demand was 34,508 megawatts (MW), with demand forecast at 31,798 MW. Planned maintenance stood at 3303 MW and unplanned outages were at 5651 MW.

Estimated available peak evening demand capacity, and estimated demand for the rest of the week was as follows:

• Tuesday: Available capacity was 32,207 MW while demand was forecast at 30,700 MW
• Wednesday: Available capacity was 32,398 MW while demand was forecast at 29,135 MW
• Thursday: Available capacity was 32,218 MW while demand was forecast at 31,840 MW
• Friday: Available capacity was 32,218 MW while demand was forecast at 30,135 MW
• Saturday: Available capacity was 32,218 MW while demand was forecast at 29,144 MW
• Sunday: Available capacity was 32,218 MW while demand was forecast at 29,208 MW

All available capacity included open cycle gas turbines.

Eskom called on all South Africans to pull together and use electricity sparingly.

Tips to reduce electricity consumption included switching off geysers, pool pumps, and non-essential lights, and efficiently using air-conditioners by keeping room temperature at 23 degrees Celsius.

Eskom also called on the public to respond to alerts that were broadcast on television each evening.