According to the information received from Eskom:
On 17 March 2021, Government requested Eskom to suspend load shedding for the duration of King Goodwill Zwelithini’s memorial service on 18 March 2021 from 10:00 to 14:00. The System Operator evaluated the request and concluded that this was technically possible without putting the power system at risk and would not result in a higher stage of load shedding either before or after the memorial service.
The following was taken onto account:
In order to supply the additional demand due to the suspension of load shedding, the System Operator dispatched four additional OCGTs from 09:42 until 14:10. These OCGTs supplied 2 404 MWh (approximately R8.5 million) during this period with a maximum output reaching 610 MW. Furthermore, pumped storage generation was dispatched and supplied an estimated additional 2 240 MWh with a maximum additional capacity of 626 MW dispatched. Between 12:00 and 14:00, four coal-fired generators returned to service adding 1 935 MW of capacity to the system, although it takes many hours to ramp these generators to their maximum capacity.
Eskom has the technical capacity and expertise to evaluate each situation and make a sound, technical decision.
I trust that the Honourable Member is not opposed to efforts such as these being made, when appropriate and technically possible?
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved
Kgathatso Tlhakudi Pravin Gordhan, MP
Director-General Minister of Public Enterprises
Date: Date: