South Africa: Eskom enforcing stages 3 and 5 load shedding nationwide as of April 10

Event

South Africa's energy provider Eskom announced an update on the implementation of load shedding April 10. The measures include:

April 11:

• Stage 3 load shedding through 16:00

• Stage 5 load shedding from 16:00-00:01

April 12:

• Stage 5 load shedding from 00:01-05:00

• Stage 3 load shedding from 05:00-1600

• Stage 5 load shedding from 16:00-00:01

This is the latest in a series of updates to its load-shedding schedule in recent days due to maintenance in several locations and increased demand after the Easter weekend. Further updates will likely be published in the coming days.

Temporary commercial and communications disruptions are possible during load shedding and unscheduled interruptions. Cellular and mobile services disruptions could occur. Trains may also experience delays if outages impact signaling devices or overhead wires. Power outages could also result in the temporary unavailability of essential services such as ATMs and filling stations. There is an increased security threat during power outages. Blackouts could adversely affect security protocols, including alarm systems and electronic fences; opportunistic criminal activity could increase during electricity outages. Malfunctioning traffic signals could increase transport disruptions, and the lack of public lighting may elevate the risk of driving at night. Water supply outages or decreases in water pressure may occur in areas that rely on electrical pumps for water flow.

Context

Load shedding requires switching off parts of South Africa's electric grid in a planned and controlled manner due to insufficient capacity or to avoid a countrywide blackout.

• Stage-1 load shedding: Allows for up to 1,000MW of electricity to be removed from the power grid, leading to power supply cuts in the impacted area three times over a four-day period for two hours at a time, or three times over an eight-day period for four hours at a time.

• Stage-2 load shedding: Allows for up to 2,000MW of electricity to be removed from the power grid, leading to power supply cuts in the impacted area six times over a four-day period for two hours at a time, or six times over an eight-day period for four hours at a time.

• Stage-3 load shedding: Allows for up to 3,000MW of electricity to be removed from the power grid, leading to power supply cuts in the impacted area nine times over a four-day period for two hours at a time, or nine times over an eight-day period for four hours at a time.

• Stage-4 load shedding: Allows for up to 4,000MW to be removed from the power grid, leading to power supply cuts in the impacted area 12 times over a four-day period for two hours at a time or 12 times over an eight-day period for four hours at a time.

Authorities in the City of Cape Town are likely to continue to implement support measures and supply electricity during load-shedding periods. Typically, city supply will move the stage down one level from the Eskom-announced load-shedding level.

Advice

Charge mobile and communication devices when possible and ensure backup batteries are available. Plan for road travel delays due to possible malfunctioning or nonfunctional traffic lights in affected areas. Exercise caution when driving in recently impacted areas. Confirm business appointments. Verify that security systems are working. Park vehicles in secure areas and complete ground movements before nightfall. Ensure that generators are functional and refuel devices where necessary.

Resources

Eskom load-shedding schedules
Eskom (Twitter)
City of Cape Town (Twitter)
City of Tshwane (Twitter)
City of Johannesburg (Twitter)