Eskom Expected to Burn More Diesel in 2022, Koeberg Outage Boosts Load-shedding Risks

LOCAL NEWS

• Eskom’s plants are deteriorating faster than anticipated, and will turn to burning more diesel to keep the lights on this year, its CFO says.
  • This was not previously factored into the group’s operations for this year and could lead to a further 5% tariff increase being passed on to customers – over and above the 20.5% increase it has already requested from the energy regulator.
• Maintenance at Eskom’s Koeberg Unit 2 plant over the next five months is expected to put additional strain on SA’s electricity supply this year.
  • Energy expert Yelland says this is a massive outage and has never been conducted at Koeberg before. The work is expected to extend the plant’s lifespan by 20 years by replacing 3 steam generators and reactor head.
• Once this is complete the same procedure happens in Unit 1. This leaves SA with 920mw less capacity for 10 months – boosting the risk of load-shedding in 2022
• Cape Town mayor calls on Ramaphosa to ease restrictions, lifting the 50% rule on public facilities and that spectators be allowed to return to sporting events. Says these events are important for boosting economic activity ahead of the summer peak