Brace for a winter out in the cold

THE spectre of load shedding is upon us once more, and if last Thursday was anything to go by, the impact could be monumental in coming months.
The impact of protracted, ongoing power losses is potentially mammoth on the economy, and it is especially small businesses that will be hit hard. As it is, this is the sector that is feeling the economic slowdown most, and so is effectively the sector that needs the most assistance.
Power losses may well threaten the viability of small businesses, where they’re continuous as they shorten the trading day, and this will inevitably affect job security for employees.
All aspects of life – including schools, social clubs, sports and residents at home – are impacted on by the electricity parastatal’s inability to keep up with demand.
It is worrying when the CEO of Eskom says the power utility is better prepared and in a better position than in 2008 to manage the situation. They have apparently learnt from that year’s disastrous experience with load shedding how to better manage the complex crisis, and have adopted appropriate emergency and communication protocols. What is worrying in light of this apparent wisdom, is that the reason for load shedding being necessary last week was poor coal quality. Not a breakdown in equipment or an overtaxed grid – simply poor quality of the coal used to stoke the fires which produce electricity. Procuring and maintaining a better quality of coal should surely not be an issue, if lessons have been learnt from 2008’s example?
Meanwhile, headed into the chill of winter, residents will need to reach for extra layers of insulation as the power utility is looking for all customers to maintain or achieve 10% electricity savings. For business, it may well be time to invest in generators to keep the tills ringing and the lights on.