South Africa's New Load Shedding Stages: A Guide for Businesses and Residents

South Africa's New Load Shedding Stages: A Guide for Businesses and Residents

SAPAC Reporter

South Africa's New Load Shedding Stages: A Guide for Businesses and Residents

Prepared by : SAPAC Reporter
Article Classification: Information 
Image courtesy: SAPAC
Table Source - Business Tech 

 

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South African News

South Africa's energy landscape has undergone a recent change with the introduction of new load shedding stages. While the likelihood of reaching these extreme stages remains low, it's important for businesses and residents to be informed. This article outlines the updated plan and what it means for you.

New Load Shedding Stages Implemented

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) approved an extension of the load shedding stages to stage 16. This expansion provides a more comprehensive plan for managing electricity shortages during emergencies. Previously, the system only covered situations up to stage 8.

What the New Stages Mean

The new structure divides the available power (excluding critical loads) into designated blocks. As the stages increase, these blocks become longer, resulting in more significant power outages.

Impact on Electrical Consumers

The table below details the estimated power outages for each stage:

Stage Load Shedding  Load curtailment
1 5% of demand 10% reduction
2 10% of demand 10% reduction
3 15% of demand 15% reduction
4 20% of demand 20% reduction
5 25% of demand 30% reduction
6 30% of demand 30% reduction
7 35% of demand 40% reduction
8 40% of demand 40% reduction
9 45% of demand 50% reduction
10 50% of demand 50% reduction
11 55% of demand Essential only
12 60% of demand Essential only
13 65% of demand Essential only
14 70% of demand Essential only
15 75% of demand Essential only
16 80% of demand Essential only

 

Below the table outlines how business & households will experience load shedding in terms of hours off. The blocks of time out increase by 2 hours until there are four 6-hour blocks at stage 12.

From stage 13, the blocks start merging, and businesses & customers would experience a full 14 hours without power (a 6-hour block immediately following an 8-hour block). By stage 15, this merges again to 30 hours off.

Stage Block 32 hour Cycle  Hours off
Stage 1 1 x 2 hour blocks 2
Stage 2 2 x 2 hour blocks 4
Stage 3 3 x 2 hour blocks 6
Stage 4 4 x 2 hours blocks 8
Stage 5 1 x 4 hour blocks, 3 x 2 hour blocks 10
Stage 6 2 x 4 hour blocks, 2 x 2 hour blocks 12
Stage 7 3 x 4 hours blocks, 1 x 2 hour blocks 14
Stage 8 4 x 4 hours blocks 16
Stage 9 1 x 6 hour block,3 x 4 hours blocks 18
Stage 10 2 x 6 hour blocks, 2 x 4 hours blocks 20
Stage 11 3 x 6 hour blocks, 1 x 4 hours blocks 22
Stage 12 4 x 6 hour blocks 24
Stage 13 1 x 14 hour block, 2 x 6 hour blocks 26
Stage 14 2 x 14 hour blocks 28
Stage 15 1 X 30 hour blocks 30
Stage 16 POWER OFF 32

 

Important Safety Measures

While the chances of reaching the higher stages are slim, it's crucial to be prepared. Here are some steps you can take:

  • Invest in alternative power sources: Consider solar panels, generators, or battery backups to maintain essential operations during outages. Installed by SAPAC Electrical Contractors.

  • Develop a load shedding plan: Identify critical equipment and processes. Plan how to manage them during power cuts.

  • Stay informed: Monitor Eskom's website or SAPAC Social media for the latest updates on load shedding schedules.

Ensuring Safe Solar PV Installations

If you're considering solar power as a backup solution, ensure you choose a reputable installer. We recommend working directly with SAPAC Professionals and Contractors to put you in contact with reputable registered electrical installers nationwide. 

By understanding the new load shedding stages and taking proactive measures, businesses and residents can navigate potential power disruptions more effectively. And stray away from non reputable non registered electrical contractors. 

Be Safe Contact SAPAC below 

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