Load reduction versus load shedding: Same difference, same damage

FF Plus

Load reduction versus load shedding: Same difference, same damage
Load reduction versus load shedding: Same difference, same damage

In the absence of the dreaded load shedding, Eskom still announces every day which regions’ power supply will be suspended for a period of time due to so-called load reduction. In practice, this means that paying power consumers do not have power every day, which is damaging to economic growth as well as dangerous and inconvenient. From a regulatory perspective, the institutions responsible for this must be forced to take action urgently.

The main difference between the two is the cause of the power outage. With load shedding, it is Eskom’s inability to meet the demand for power and with load reduction, it is the power distribution networks that are inadequate.

The gist of the matter is, though, that paying power consumers are usually the ones who are negatively affected when the power supply is interrupted. This is not only inconvenient, but it also leads to less economic activity at a time when the country is already burdened with negative growth and job losses.

The FF Plus will take up the matter with the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA), which is responsible for protecting power consumers and distributors and ensuring that they meet their respective obligations.

At present, neither one of these two functions are carried out effectively.

Read the original article in Afrikaans by Dr. Wynand Boshoff on FF Plus

South Africa Today – South Africa News

SOURCEFF Plus