South Africa's New Load Shedding Stages: A Guide for Businesses and Residents
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South Africa's New Load Shedding Stages: A Guide for Businesses and Residents
Prepared by : SAPAC Reporter
Article Classification: Information
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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:
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Invest in alternative power sources: Consider solar panels, generators, or battery backups to maintain essential operations during outages. Installed by SAPAC Electrical Contractors.
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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.
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