17 Jan 2021 | 07:29 PM UTC
South Africa: Utility provider Eskom to resume Stage-2 load shedding nationwide starting at 0500 Jan. 18 /update 1
South African utility provider Eskom to resume Stage-2 load shedding from 0500 Jan. 18. Plan for electricity disruptions.
Event
South Africa's electricity utility provider Eskom plans to reduce its current load shedding operations to Stage 1 from 2300 Jan. 17 through 0500 Jan. 18 but return to Stage-2 immediately thereafter. According to company officials, the measure is necessary due to delays in servicing some generation units. It is unclear how long the new round of Stage-2 load shedding will continue.
Temporary commercial and communications disruptions are possible while the load shedding is taking place; cellular and mobile services could be affected. Traffic disruptions and longer driving times are possible during these periods due to malfunctioning traffic signals. 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.
Context
The move comes after Eskom implemented an initial period of Stage-2 load shedding that started at 1200 Jan. 14 and was slated to end at 2300 Jan. 17. The company launched the load shedding in response to an unplanned loss of generation capacity.
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. There are four different stages of load shedding.
Stage-1 allows for up to 1,000 megawatts (MW) 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, on the other hand, consists of drawing down up to 2,000 MW of electricity 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.
Eskom can use stages 3 and 4 to avoid a nationwide blackout, should further generation capacity be lost.
Advice
Plan for electricity disruptions for the duration of load shedding. Conserve batteries and restrict cellphone use to emergencies in case of an extended power outage. For safety reasons, monitor generators while they are operating due to potential fires. Unplug appliances and electronic equipment to protect against surge damage when power resumes.
