The biggest electricity users in South Africa, which includes the country's platinum mining sector, could reduce their power usage in order to avoid blackouts and power cuts.

Mining Weekly reports that state utility provider Eskom has warned that it is operating at a low reserve margin as a result of planned maintenance.

"This, coupled with unforeseen system failures, had put the system under significant pressure," spokesperson Hilary Joffe told the news provider.

In light of this, many of the country's main electricity consumers are preparing to scale back usage if necessary, which could hit the production of platinum and other metals and minerals.

Energy Intensive User Group chairperson Mike Rossouw explained that the sector was aware of the situation and companies were willing to reduce demand if required by Eskom.

"It does not appear as if South Africa is in the same situation as in 2008," he said, alluding power cuts that left mines and smelters shut for days.

Chamber of Mines spokesperson Jabu Maphalala added:  "This is merely the continuation of a long-existing situation. Eskom has been in dialogue with the mining industry over the last five years, and our members have responded positively."

Eskom recently warned that the first unit of the new 4,800MW Medupi power station in South Africa's Limpopo province may not be ready by the end of 2012 as currently planned.

Source:

Energy intensive users prepared to reduce demand (10/01/12)

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