Stage 1 Load Shedding

A Complete Guide to Stage 1 Load Shedding in South Africa

As South Africans, power outages have become a common recurring issue in our daily routines, becoming a norm that we all try to grapple with as best we can. Load shedding, the deliberate shutdown of electrical power in certain areas for a specified period of time, has been a common term in our vocabulary for quite some time now. Eskom, the state-owned electricity utility in South Africa, has implemented load shedding because of the limited supply of electricity compared to the total demand.

What is Stage 1 Load Shedding?

Stage 1 load shedding is the necessary shut down of electricity supply for two hours a day. It can also occur thrice a day, depending on the power grid’s stability. It’s the least serious of the six stages of load shedding, but the public must still be conscious of their electricity usage during this stage.

During Stage 1 load shedding, Eskom can shed up to 1 000 megawatts of electrical energy across the country.

How Does Eskom Decide When to Implement Load Shedding?

For Eskom, load shedding initiation is determined by the power grid’s stability. On the whole, Eskom is responsible for maintaining stability by producing the required amount of electricity. They provide electricity to municipalities, who then distribute the electricity to the public. Therefore, when electricity demand surpasses output capability, Eskom has no choice but to reduce output or face total collapse.

What Can You Do During Stage 1 Load Shedding?

During Stage 1 load shedding, all electrical home appliances and lighting should be switched off. However, some electrical equipment must be kept operational. If an individual relies on vital electricity-dependent medical equipment, there must be a backup supply. Otherwise, the backup generator or inverter may supply electricity to the essential equipment but, unfortunately, will not power up the rest of the items in the household.

Additionally, Eskom suggests charging all electrical equipment such as smartphones, laptops, power banks, and other devices before Stage 1 load shedding.

Tips for Electricity Conservation

Besides adhering to the rules,We have suggested ways to save electricity and prevent power outages:

• Switch off lights and all non-essential electrical devices.
• Do not charge electrical equipment during load shedding.
• Only use appliances necessary to complete chores.
• Make use of gas stoves or stoves that operate off of paraffin.
• Make use of solar panels or solar lamps to light up the home.
• Migrate to energy-efficient light bulbs and household appliances.
• Use electrical equipment during off-peak hours.
• Ensure that appliances are turned off at the wall socket when not in use.

Conclusion

Load shedding is not enjoyable, but it’s not something that should harm your day-to-day life. Understanding each load shedding stage and adhering to the guidelines issued by Eskom can effectively reduce the effects of load shedding in your daily routine.