What Is Load Shedding South Africa
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What is load shedding all about and where can one find the loadshedding schedule to see how often it happens?
The actual load shedding definition is the action performed, by Eskom in this case, to reduce the load on the national power generation plant, which leads to the interruption of the electricity supply to the country.
Therefore, to answer the question “what is load shedding”, it’s really just a fancy term for rolling blackouts and power cuts.
Load shedding is basically discontinuing the power supply to certain areas, according to a schedule in accordance with Eskom’s reduced power output, to allow the power utility to get failed generation units back on line.
Consequently, Eskom implements load shedding whenever demand for electricity outstrips supply which is happening more regularly forcing many South Africans to look at smart load shedding solutions.
Whilst, the load shedding definition has been given, it means so much more in terms of the economic impact it has on South Africa.
Not only massive job losses with businesses unable to operate without a reliable power supply, but also potential business investors, and job creators, being put off with this situation.
It’s also known to be called “Eskom load reduction”.
Load Shedding South Africa
The term load shedding was first introduced in South Africa in the latter part of 2007 when the national power utility, Eskom, started having problems with its ageing fleet of power stations.
Unfortunately, the maintenance and alternative power generation options have not been implemented over the years which has caused an increase in load shedding in South Africa.
This situation has caused an energy crisis in South Africa as demand constantly threatens the stability of the national grid forcing Eskom to regularly update their loadshedding schedule with the announcement of more rolling blackouts.
What Load Shedding Has Done To the Economy
According to Moneyweb, load shedding has cost over a million jobs in South Africa.
So whether it’s called load shedding, load reduction or just rolling blackouts, there can be no doubt that it has had a devastating impact on the South African economy.
After being given the green light for IPPs (Independent Power Producers) to start producing electricity in the form of renewable energy, it’s unfortunate that Gwede Mantashe (Minister of Energy & Mining) has been dragging his heels and delaying the process.
On the flip side, President Cyril Ramaphosa said that things are improving at Eskom and knows the importance of having a reliable and stable electricity supply for the people and the economy.
Whilst Ramaphosa acknowledged the carnage that load shedding has caused to the economy, he also alluded to the complex issues and problems that were being suffered Eskom.
Notwithstanding this, it would seem that having IPPs brought on board as a priority would be a viable solution to ending load shedding as we know it.
How Can You Reduce the Impact Of Load Shedding On Your Lifestyle
Load shedding can really disrupt your day to day life if you aren’t equipped for it.
These quick and easy Load Shedding Solutions will help you alleviate the negative impact it can have.
What Is Load Shedding, Final Thoughts
Even if there are some of us who weren’t aware of the actual meaning of load shedding, I’m sure everyone has felt the frustration of not having power and being inconvenienced by the rolling blackouts imposed on us by Eskom.
In fact, I doubt whether there isn’t anyone who hasn’t been caught out by the sudden implementation of load shedding at the worst possible time, leading to much cursing of everyone from Eskom to government.
It’s therefore a good idea to have the load shedding app on your phone to give you quick access to information so that you aren’t caught in traffic on your way to catch a flight or a planned evening out which could be ruined with a blackout.
So now that the load shedding definition has been noted, the load shedding schedules are there to help you plan your days so that you can try to avoid having a power cut impact your day too much.
Lastly, it’s also wise to mitigate the impact of it by implementing some of these load shedding solutions.as well as preparing for it by keeping up to date with the load shedding schedule.