BusinessLive reports that a fatal incident at the Lethabo Power Station is expected to negatively affect the national power system as it has resulted in a unit being put out of service for three months.  

On Wednesday afternoon, “the live steam pressure from the boiler of unit 5 of the Lethabo Power Station ruptured, sending a plume of dust into the air”.  It resulted in the death of one Eskom employee on site, while another was rushed to the local hospital.  A work stoppage has been initiated and, following a visit by Eskom management, a thorough investigation has been launched, as per regulatory requirements.  Eskom group CEO Phakamani Hadebe said:  "Based on the preliminary investigation, it is expected that unit 5 will remain out of service for a minimum of three months.  The loss of unit 5 will have a negative effect on the power system given that Lethabo Power Station is one of the most cost-effective generators with adequate access to a steady coal supply.  All efforts will be focused on the safe and swift return of this unit to the national grid."  

• Read this report by Lisa Steyn in full at BusinessLive

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