SA peak demand at 35 GW

2 July 2012 – Winter in South Africa, which sees the annual electricity demand peaks reach their highs, has seen peaks of about 35 GW reached at the end of June, particularly during the evening peak hours from five PM to nine PM. The most critical period within this peak is from five PM until seven PM when a large number of residential sector customers return home from work.

At the end of June electricity utility Eskom had capacity to meet this demand of some 36.5 GW including its open cycle gas turbines. While reduced levels of maintenance are underway during winter, Eskom continues with its planned maintenance of its power stations, something it has made a priority. It says it is making significant progress with its programme of preventative maintenance, in an effort to ensure a stable power system.