Load shedding on WEDNESDAY – here is the updated schedule

HERE ARE YOUR UPDATED SCHEDULES:

FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN THE MAJOR METROS, LOAD-SHEDDING SCHEDULES ARE AVAILABLE BELOW:

SIX TIPS TO HELP MITIGATE RISKS CAUSED BY LOAD SHEDDING  

Here are six tips to mitigate against risks caused by load shedding:

• Make use of surge protection: Electric surges are one of the biggest causes of damage to equipment during a power outage. Installing a surge protection device can help minimise some damage in unforeseen situations. Have a surge protection device fitted to your electrical distribution board or at the power outlet to the electronic device.
• Ensure that your alarm system is working and the backup battery is fully functional to provide power to the system in the event of load shedding.
• Spare torch or headlamp: Keep a torch in your car if you arrive home at night during a power outage. Most smartphones have built-in torch or torch apps, which come in handy during unexpected power outages.
• Emergency contact information: Save emergency contact information on your phone, but also keep a paper copy safe and accessible. This should include contacts for emergency services such as the fire department, police, and/or medical services. Also, include the contact information of friends and/or family along with insurance information. 
• Charge your cell phone, laptop, and tablet: Ensure your cellphone, laptop, and tablet devices are fully charged ahead of scheduled blackouts. Be sure to charge them again as soon as possible after the power returns. It’s also a good idea to have an emergency phone charger (like a power bank) close by. This comes in handy during extended power outages. 
• Gas for cooking and lighting: Get a small LP gas bottle and lamp. It gives good quality lighting for a large area and can also be used for cooking and boiling water. It’s a good idea to keep hot water in a thermal flask so that you can make hot drinks. Also, consider preparing meals beforehand if you know when there’s going to be a scheduled blackout.

HIGHER load shedding or face power station COLLAPSE

Meanwhile, in other news in a 600-page report commissioned by the National Treasury, critical issues affecting the performance of the country’s power stations have been highlighted. 

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 come in response to the pressing crisis facing the country’s energy sector.