Stage 4 Load shedding announced | Western Cape Government

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Stage 4 Load shedding announced

12 March 2020

Eskom has implemented stage 4 load shedding in order to alleviate pressure on the national grid and prevent the chance of a blackout.

 

The Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning in the Western Cape, Anton Bredell, said:

“A blackout would be the absolutely worst-case scenario and load shedding is meant to prevent that. Eskom doesn’t take decisions like this lightly. That being said, we are concerned that the grid is so unstable and unpredictable. Load shedding has a major impact on the economy, and ultimately the livelihoods of our residents. That is why we are taking a number of steps to build energy resilience in the Western Cape.”

 

Bredell says an initial update by Eskom (10 March) this morning, stated that Eskom experienced 11 386 MW of unplanned outages and 5 340 MW of planned outages.

 

“That has subsequently now got worse with additional units that have tripped (gone offline). These numbers and unforeseen trips are a major concern ahead of the winter months when demand is expected to increase.”

 

Load shedding has been forecast to continue for at least another 18 months and the public is urged to reduce demand to keep the system stable and prevent load shedding as far as possible.

 

The Western Cape Government continues to support Eskom as much as possible and is doing everything it can to help the public and businesses to beat load shedding.

 

“We have several contingency plans in place at major keypoints across the province, to ensure continued operation during periods of load shedding. These include hospitals and clinics. In addition the province is helping businesses to overcome ongoing power challenges, given the huge impact load shedding has on the economy through the Department of Economic Opportunities and Tourism (DEDAT) and Green Cape,” says Bredell.

 

Any businesses that would like free assistance with energy-related matters can contact Green Cape at energy@green-cape.co.za

 

For any other energy related assistance, contact the Green Energy team at 110Green@westerncape.gov.za

 

In addition, the province has a number of resources available on the 110% Green website including Frequently Asked Questions and guides on Solar PV and other energy alternatives for members of the public: www.westerncape.gov.za/110green

 

ENDS.

Media Enquiries: 

James-Brent Styan

Spokesperson for the Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell

Mobile:                   084 583 1670

Telephone:            021 483 2820

E-mail:                    James-Brent.Styan@westerncape.gov.za