load shedding

• load-shedding

load shedding (uncountable)

1. The process by which an electric utility cuts power to some customers in response to a shortage of available electricity.
2. (aviation) The process of minimizing usage of electrical power by powering down nonessential equipment following an electrical generation failure, or to reduce the risk of an electrical fire in certain situations.
   • 1985 March 5, National Transportation Safety Board, “2.2 Operational and Human Performance Factors - The Captain's Decision”, in Aircraft Accident Report: Air Illinois Hawker Siddley^[sic] HS 748-2A, N748LL, Near Pinckneyville, Illinois, October 11, 1983‎, archived from the original on 9 May 2022, page 53:

     Based on the reported weather at Carbondale, it should have been apparent that he would need electrical power to operate his radio navigation instruments on arrival since he most probably would have to execute an instrument approach to land. Therefore, to insure that he could complete the 39-minute flight to Carbondale, all unnecessary electrical loads would have to be shed in order to have residual electrical power. In addition, there was no way the captain could determine the exact charge state of the batteries when the generators failed; therefore, even with proper load shedding procedures, the captain could not have been sure that battery power would last longer than 30 minutes. Given the two options available to the captain when the generators failed, the risks involved in continuing to Carbondale were such that this option should have been rejected summarily.

   • 2003 March 27, Transportation Safety Board of Canada, “4.1.7 In-Flight Entertainment Network/Supplemental Type Certificate - 4.1.7.1 Transportation Safety Board of Canada”, in Aviation Investigation Report: In-Flight Fire Leading to Collision with Water, Swissair Transport Limited, McDonnell Douglas MD-11 HB-IWF, Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia 5 nm SW, 2 September 1998‎, archived from the original on 21 February 2022, page 274:

     Early in the SR 111 investigation, it was discovered that the Swissair MD-11 in-flight entertainment network (IFEN) was connected to aircraft power in such a way that was not compatible with the emergency electrical load-shedding design philosophy of the MD-11 aircraft. The IFEN was powered from AC Bus 2, a bus that is not deactivated when the CABIN BUS switch is selected. Use of the CABIN BUS switch, which was the first item in Swissair’s Smoke/Fumes of Unknown Origin Checklist at the time of the occurrence, is intended to remove most electrical power from the aircraft cabin.

3. The postponement of payment of less important bills because of financial problems.

Load shedding is the act of switching off electricity supply to certain areas or homes in order to prevent an electricity grid from collapsing. South Africa has been grappling with load shedding since at least 2008, and there have been countless debates, discussions, and protests about the issue. In this article, we will examine the history of load shedding in South Africa, its causes, effects, and possible solutions.

History of Load Shedding in South Africa

Load shedding in South Africa started as early as 2008, due to issues with Eskom, the national electricity supplier. At the time, Eskom was unable to produce enough electricity to meet the country's demand, which led to rolling blackouts. This situation was worsened by the fact that most of the electricity in South Africa is generated from coal, which is not only expensive but also dirty and environmentally unfriendly.

Since then, load shedding has become a common feature of life in South Africa. In 2011, Eskom announced that it would implement a load shedding program called "load reduction", which would involve the phased switching off of electricity to certain areas at predetermined intervals. The aim of this program was to reduce the overall demand for electricity and prevent further power outages. However, the program proved to be ineffective, and load shedding continued.

Causes of Load Shedding in South Africa

There are several factors that contribute to load shedding in South Africa. The most significant of these is the inadequate capacity of Eskom's power stations. Eskom has been struggling to produce enough electricity to meet demand for a long time, and this has been exacerbated by the fact that most of its power stations are old, inefficient, and poorly maintained.

Another factor that contributes to load shedding in South Africa is the increasing demand for electricity. South Africa's population has been growing rapidly, and so has its need for electricity. However, Eskom has been unable to keep up with this demand, and this has led to frequent power cuts.

Lastly, load shedding in South Africa can also be attributed to the country's reliance on coal-fired power stations. Coal is a non-renewable and environmentally damaging source of energy, and it is also expensive to mine and transport. The use of coal for electricity generation not only contributes to air pollution and climate change but also puts a strain on Eskom's finances.

Effects of Load Shedding in South Africa

The effects of load shedding in South Africa are far-reaching and have had a significant impact on the country's economy and society. One of the most obvious effects is the disruption of daily life. When the power goes out, people are unable to work, study, or carry out other activities that require electricity. This can lead to lost productivity, missed opportunities, and decreased economic growth.

Another effect of load shedding in South Africa is the damage to electrical appliances. When power cuts occur, there is a risk of damage to electrical appliances due to voltage fluctuations and surges. This can be particularly devastating for businesses that rely on expensive equipment, as they may not be able to afford repairs or replacements.

Lastly, load shedding in South Africa has a negative impact on the country's reputation. Investors and tourists may be deterred by the frequent power cuts, leading to a decrease in foreign investment and revenue.

Possible Solutions to Load Shedding in South Africa

There are several possible solutions to load shedding in South Africa. One of the most promising solutions is to increase the use of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, and hydro power. These sources of energy are not only environmentally friendly but also cheaper than coal.

Another solution is to improve the efficiency and maintenance of Eskom's power stations. This would involve upgrading the existing infrastructure and investing in new technology to improve the efficiency of electricity generation.

Lastly, load shedding in South Africa can also be addressed through demand-side management. This approach involves encouraging consumers to reduce their use of electricity during peak hours and promoting energy-saving habits.

Conclusion

Load shedding in South Africa is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted solution. Eskom's inadequate capacity, the increasing demand for electricity, and the reliance on coal-fired power stations are some of the factors that contribute to this problem. The effects of load shedding in South Africa are significant, including a negative impact on productivity, damage to electrical appliances, and damage to the country's reputation. However, with the implementation of promising solutions such as the use of renewable energy and energy-saving habits, load shedding in South Africa can be effectively addressed.

In South Africa, load shedding schedules are a tool used by electricity suppliers to notify residents and businesses of planned power cuts. The schedules are usually published online or in newspapers, and they outline the specific times and areas in which load shedding will occur.

Load shedding schedules are designed to help people plan their daily lives around the power cuts. By knowing in advance when power will be switched off, residents and businesses can make arrangements to use alternative sources of power, such as generators, or to postpone activities that require electricity.

The schedules are typically organized according to zones or suburbs, with each zone being assigned a specific time or day for load shedding. The schedules are updated regularly to reflect changes in demand for electricity and other factors that may affect power supply.

While load shedding schedules can be inconvenient for residents and businesses, they are an important tool for preventing the total collapse of the electricity grid. By implementing planned power cuts, electricity suppliers are able to reduce the demand for electricity during peak hours, which in turn reduces the strain on the grid and helps to prevent unplanned power cuts.

Overall, load shedding schedules are an essential tool for managing the supply and demand of electricity in South Africa. While they may be inconvenient, they are necessary for preventing widespread power cuts and ensuring a stable supply of electricity for the entire country. By staying informed about load shedding schedules and planning accordingly, residents and businesses can minimize the impact of power cuts on their daily lives.