Load shedding is a measure that the government takes to avoid the country from collapsing. The power supply is not sufficient and could not meet the demand for electricity. The load shedding measure was introduced in 2008 when Eskom, South Africa’s national electricity provider, could no longer afford to supply the country with enough power because of a lack of funds and low coal stocks.
What is load shedding, and why is it happening in SA?
Load shedding is a measure that the government takes in order to prevent the country from experiencing electricity shortages. This is done by reducing or completely cutting off power to certain areas of the country for a period usually during night hours. If there is a power shortage, a power company can reduce the amount of electricity flowing to different areas of the country or make specific areas stand completely cut off during certain hours. The electric company will then be able to offer other people in those particular areas more electricity at a lower price than if they were still receiving their full supply from the grid.
How often does load shedding occur in South Africa?
Load shedding is a common occurrence in South Africa. Load shedding is the deliberate and scheduled shutdown of electric power distribution to certain areas of the country to manage electricity demand, avoid, or mitigate power outages, and reduce the risk of damage to electricity infrastructure from overload.
South Africa has been experiencing load shedding for decades. The first recorded instance occurred in 1974 when there was a nationwide blackout that lasted for five hours. Load shedding occurs on a schedule and usually starts at 22:00 and ends at 06:00.
