Firstly, we need to know What is Eskom Load Shedding and why it happens?
Load shedding is a planned and controlled process and the last resort measure of switching off parts of the electric network.
If there is insufficient power station capacity due to sudden and unexpected trips, the electricity system can become unbalanced, which can cause blackouts and the collapse of South Africa’s electric power system.
As South Africa’s primary electricity supplier, Eskom can either increase supply or reduce demand to bring the system back into balance. But Eskom normally asks large customers to voluntarily reduce demand (load) (load curtailment) to keep the system stable and avoid load shedding.
Secondly, How Does Load Shedding Work in South Africa?
If possible, Eskom will predict the risky periods and communicate via media in advance a fixed period for scheduled load shedding.
There are eight schedules developed based on the level of risk. They were made in advance to describe a predetermined plan for switching off parts of the network in stages.
Thirdly, we need to Understand Eskom Load Shedding Stages
There are 8 stages of load shedding:
In stage 1, power outages will appear 3 times over four days for 2 hours at a time or 3 times for an eight-day period for 4 hours at a time.
Stage 2 doubles the frequency, with outages 6 times over four days for 2 hours at a time or 6 times over an eight-day period for 4 hours at a time.
Stage 3 increases the frequency of stage 2 by 50% so that outage will be implemented 9 times over four days for 2 hours at a time, or 9 times over an eight-day period for 4 hours at a time.
At stage 4, power outages will be implemented 12 times over four days for 2 hours at a time or 12 times over an eight-day period for 4 hours at a time.
Stage 5 comes with outages 12 times over four days, 9 times for 2 hours, or 3 times for 4 hours.
During stage 6, power outages will be scheduled 12 times over four days, 6 times for 2 hours, or 6 times for 4 hours.
In stage 7, the power will be out up to 12 times over four days, 3 times for 2 hours, or 9 times for 4 hours.
If stage 8 ever happens, the power cuts will be implemented up to 12 times over four days for four hours at a time.
Lastly, but most importantly: How to check Eskom load shedding schedule?
Anyone can check the position of load shedding at any time at loadshedding.eskom.co.za
How to find your schedule:
Firstly, you need to identify and select your town or municipality.
Secondly, you need to identify and select your suburb
And lastly, you need to identify and select the appropriate stage of load-shedding.
Eskom customers can check load shedding schedules:
- on the Eskom website, www.eskom.co.za
- call the Eskom Contact Center: 08 600 ESKOM (086 003 7566)
- on MyEskom app
- on Third-party apps that are available on the Apple and Android App Stores.
Also Read: How to Claim From the Road Accident Fund in South Africa
Municipal customers can check load shedding schedules:
- by obtaining the information from their municipality
- most municipalities publish their schedules on their websites
- on the Eskom website, www.eskom.co.za
- on Third-party apps that are available on the Apple and Android App Stores.
If you want to find out if load shedding is likely to happen in the country today, visit www.poweralert.co.za
Remember to use energy wisely, switch off appliances that use large amounts of power, and be prepared for outages when not in use.
