Question NW3213 to the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
30 October 2023 - NW3213
Graham-Maré, Ms SJ to ask the Minister in The Presidency for Electricity
1) With reference to maintenance of electricity infrastructure, (a) on what date was (i) the maintenance philosophy model adopted by Eskom and (ii) was the model implemented and (b) how does the maintenance philosophy model differ from a planned maintenance model; (2) Whether the specified model has been adopted by and implemented at all power stations and across all electricity infrastructure in the Republic; if not, (a) why not and (b) on what date will it be implemented; if so, (3) Whether the model is being adhered to and implemented effectively; if not, what measures have been taken to ensure adherence and implementation; if so, what are the relevant details? NW4286E
Reply:
(1)(a) (i), (ii), (b) At the concept phase for each new power station, the maintenance requirements for each system and component are received from the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). These are adapted by Eskom to take Eskom-specific and environmental factors into account.
This results in a philosophy maintenance regime, which is implemented as the plant becomes operational, and which determines the required periodicity and scope of the various maintenance activities and outages. Thus, philosophy maintenance refers to these specified required maintenance activities while planned maintenance refers to all maintenance that meets the requirements to be considered as planned – typically 28 days’ notice – and includes all philosophy maintenance.
(2) All power stations have their own maintenance philosophy which is effective on commercial operations throughout the life of the plant.
(3) As part of continuous improvement, Eskom has adopted liability-based maintenance which also assists in managing the plant based on risk. This allows Eskom to better manage the plant risk based on the available funds to execute maintenance.