Load-shedding in stages – What does it mean?
On February 11, Eskom implemented Stage 4 load-shedding, something that had not happened since 2008.
Despite the national energy grid showing signs of recovery consumers are warned about using electricity sparingly.
On February 11, Eskom implemented Stage 4 load-shedding, something that had not happened since 2008.
In essence, the rotational load-shedding of the national energy grid is implemented to recover lost power units to stabilise the grid.
What do the stages mean?
Stage 1: This means Eskom needs to recover 1 000MW of power from the national grid. The average household will be shed for around two and a half hours every second day.
Stage 2: Double the amount of power or 2 000MW needs to be recovered by Eskom. Households can expect to be shed once a day for around two and a half hours.
Stage 3: A power recovery of up to 4 000MW needs to take place. This means that Eskom will require double the amount of power to be shed than at stage 2. Households and businesses are likely to experience two and a half hour blackouts two to three times a day.
Stage 4: Eskom needs to recover more than 4 000MW in order to prevent a blackout of the national energy grid. Under stage 4 load-shedding, Eskom can implement unscheduled power cuts without warning. Stage 4 will only take place as a final option for Eskom.
Residents of Ekurhuleni and the City of Johannesburg who does not pay for electricity directly from Eskom will be able to find their load-shedding schedules on municipality websites.
Load-shedding schedules affecting the City of Johannesburg can be found at www.citypower.co.za, or by calling 086 056 2874.
Schedules for Ekurhuleni can be found on www.ekurhuleni.gov.za or alternatively the schedules can also be found on www.bedfordviewedenvalenews.co.za
