Hmmmmm.

[Generator Man]

Eskom slashes power connections
Oct 23 2008 07:13
James Brent Styan
Johannesburg - Eskom's restricted electricity network capacity will result in far fewer power connections in the current financial year. Electrification of households that have not previously have power will be affected most.

In a statement to Sake24 the utility indicated that in the 2009 financial year it would be able to make only about 67 000 new connections - a 46% reduction.

"Eskom is working 24 hours a day to improve electricity reserves, chiefly through the savings made by our existing clients. The waiting period for the next level of consumer, those applying for a connection of more than 100 kilovolt ampere (kVA) is also dependent on the time it takes Eskom to get new capacity into the network."

In its 2008 financial year, Eskom added 18 100 new direct consumers in this category to its network. In its 2009 financial year the utility is budgeting for only 15 700 new direct connections.

Furthermore Eskom says that it is worried about the impact of the coming rainy season on its coal stocks. "Wet coal is always a challenge. Since February steps have been taken to reduce the threat by, inter alia, increasing the stocks of coal."

Transporting coal is another headache. "Open-cast mines tend to be flooded in the rainy season, making it difficult for trucks to load the coal and transport it. The public road network on which Eskom relies to carry the coal to the power stations is not in good repair either."

Sake24 understands that the condition of roads in Mpumalanga are a major source of concern.

 

[The_Unbeliever]

Now why all of a sudden is wet coal a problem?

After all these years, and now it's a problem?

 

[Generator Man]

Now why all of a sudden is wet coal a problem?

After all these years, and now it's a problem?

Probably because the system had so much reserve capacity that if 1 station went offline due to shortage of coal, or the generating capacity was decreased due to wet coal's inefficency, the system would still remain stable? Now if someone as much as farts next to a coal burner and it temporarily dips the generation capacity, we face blackouts..

 

[Pilgrim]

Probably because the system had so much reserve capacity that if 1 station went offline due to shortage of coal, or the generating capacity was decreased due to wet coal's inefficency, the system would still remain stable? Now if someone as much as farts next to a coal burner and it temporarily dips the generation capacity, we face blackouts..

Would farting next to a coal burner not help it produce more electricity?

But you raise a valid point. The system is now straining to supply enough electricity even when everything is running 100%. Take out one or two stations and we have blackouts again.