Eskom COO Jan Oberholzer says the power utility is facing a logistical nightmare trying to keep the lights on.
Eskom is spending millions transporting and burning millions of litres of diesel to keep its open-cycle gas turbine (OCGT) stations operational.
The stations, Ankerlig and Gourikwa, are meant to be operated during peak periods but have been used more frequently since load-shedding started earlier this week.
Oberholzer told a press briefing that the power utility was burning through 9-million litres of diesel a day. This meant that one diesel shipping container, which carries about 30-million litres of diesel, would only last three days.
The diesel needs to be transported inland by road, making the process a logistical nightmare.
Oberholzer apologised for the effect load-shedding was having on the economy and called on Eskom staff to “keep focused and get through this very trying period”.
TimesLIVE
Eskom is spending millions transporting and burning millions of litres of diesel to keep its open-cycle gas turbine stations operational. Stock photo.
