Loadshedding: What would Stage 16 mean for South Africans?
The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) has issued guidelines for implementing load shedding up to Stage 16. Here is what that would likely mean.
Guidelines for implementing load shedding up to Stage 16 have been approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa).
THE LATEST REVISION OF THE LOAD-SHEDDING CODE OF PRACTICE WAS PUBLISHED
The regulator published the latest revision of the load-shedding Code of Practice.
The revision was developed by experts from Eskom, the Energy Intensive User Group, metros, and the regulator itself, among others.
The revision consolidates load-shedding stages from Stage 1 to Stage 16 into a single system.
THIS IS THE THIRD EDITION OF THE CODE
According to a report by MyBroadBand this is the third edition of the code.
The code aims to help Eskom and municipal distributors mitigate the impact of high load-shedding stages while preventing a grid collapse.
It also allows Eskom’s system operator and electricity distributors to take emergency action if necessary.
The Eskom System Operator is responsible for ensuring the stability of South Africa’s electricity grid and sets the level of load shedding needed to do so.
HERE IS WHAT THE DIFFERENT STAGES OF LOAD SHEDDING MEANS:
| Load Shedding Stage: | Frequency | Total hours: |
| Stage 1 | 02:00 – 04:00 | 2 hours |
| Stage 2 | 02:00 – 04:00 AND 18:30 – 20:30 | 4 hours |
| Stage 3 | 02:00 – 04:00 AND 10:30 – 12:30 AND 18:30 – 20:30 | 6 hours |
| Stage 4 | 02:00 – 04:00 AND 10:30 – 12:30 AND 18:30 – 20:30 AND 03:00 – 05:00 | 8 hours |
| Stage 5 | 02:00 – 06:00 AND 10:30 – 12:30 AND 18:30 – 20:30 AND 03:00 – 05:00 | 10 hours |
| Stage 6 | 02:00 – 06:00 AND 10:30 – 12:30 AND 18:00 – 22:00 AND 03:00 – 05:00 | 12 hours |
| Stage 7 | 02:00 – 06:00 AND 10:00 – 14:00 AND 18:00 – 22:00 AND 02:00 – 04:00 | 14 hours |
| Stage 8 | 02:00 – 06:00 AND 10:00 – 14:00 AND 18:00 – 22:00 AND 02:00 – 06:00 | 16 hours |
| Stage 9 | 02:00 – 08:00 AND 10:00 – 14:00 AND 18:00 – 22:00 AND 02:00 – 06:00 | 18 hours |
| Stage 10 | 02:00 – 08:00 AND 10:00 – 14:00 AND 18:00 – 00:00 AND 02:00 – 06:00 | 20 hours |
| Stage 11 | 02:00 – 08:00 AND 10:00 – 16:00 AND 18:00 – 00:00 AND 02:00 – 06:00 | 22 hours |
| Stage 12 | 01:00 – 07:00 AND 09:30 – 15:30 AND 17:30 – 23:30 AND 02:00 – 08:00 | 24 hours |
| Stage 13 | 02:00 – 10:00 AND 10:00 – 16:00 AND 18:00 – 23:00 AND 02:00 – 08:00 | 14hours continuous = in total 26 hours |
| Stage 14 | 02:00 – 10:00 AND 10:00 – 16:00 AND 18:00 – 01:00 AND 01:00 – 08:00 | 2 x 14hours continuous = in total 28 hours |
| Stage 15 | 02:00 – 18:00 AND 18:00 – 08:00 | 30 hours continuous = in total 30 hours |
| Stage 16 | 02:00 – until 08:00 the following day | 32 hours continuous = in total 32 hours |
Earlier this year, it was revealed that a group of experts spent five months in South Africa visiting all the power stations to compile a report.
In a 600-page report commissioned by the National Treasury, critical issues affecting the performance of the country’s power stations have been highlighted.
HIGHER LOAD SHEDDING OR FACE POWER STATION COLLAPSE
The independent analysis provides a highly technical perspective on these essential facilities’ challenges.
The VGBE Consortium comprised experts from companies including Dornier, KWS, RWE, and Steag – each boasting formidable experience in power generation.
The VGBE Consortium has delivered a stark ultimatum to the government. Following a five-month investigation, during which they visited each power station and held discussions with Eskom officials, the experts have recommended immediate action.
THE TEAM OF EXPERTS SPEND FIVE MONTHS IN SA
The report emphasises the urgent need to address the underlying issues at power stations, even if it means accepting a higher risk of load shedding.
The experts warned that failure to break the negative cycle could lead to further deterioration of power plants and result in significant losses in generation capacity.
The delegation’s recommendations respond to the pressing crisis facing the country’s energy sector.