Day 119: The weather was warm and sunny today. I didn't expect to have electrical power between noon and 2 pm. In Durban, we've taken to checking the 'load shedding' schedule for the following day. The days have been hot and the grid cannot supply enough power for demand. Here's what MS Copilot says about the situation:
Load shedding in South Africa refers to the deliberate and temporary interruption of electricity supply to certain areas. This is done to prevent the entire power grid from collapsing when the demand for electricity exceeds the available supply. It's a controlled measure implemented by Eskom, the country's primary electricity supplier. The main reasons for load shedding include:
Aging Infrastructure: Many of Eskom's power plants are old and prone to breakdowns.
Maintenance Backlogs: Delayed maintenance has led to reduced efficiency and reliability of power stations.
Coal Supply Issues: South Africa relies heavily on coal for electricity, and disruptions in coal supply can impact power generation.
Increased Demand: Growing electricity consumption has outpaced the capacity of the grid.
Corruption and Mismanagement: Poor governance and financial mismanagement have also contributed to Eskom's challenges.
Load shedding is scheduled in stages, with higher stages indicating more severe power cuts. It has significant economic and social impacts, affecting businesses, households, and essential services.
Our Airbnb does have battery backup for essential electricity. That keeps the fridge running and the Internet up. However, lately it hasn't been completely charging and we're left wondering if we will have power during the designated hours. As it's Sunday, there's still a chance of an evening shut down. We'll just have to wait and see.