Why TUESDAY is the WORST day of the week for load-shedding

Eskom’s gift to the nation has been with us for so long now, you’ve probably never given a thought to the worst day of the week for load-shedding. I certainly haven’t. But an independent energy analyst by the name of Pieter Jordaan has. And he’s compiled a bunch of interesting data on the uniquely South African phenomenon, including the worst day of the week for load-shedding.

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That’s right, according the energy specialist, he’s spotted an interesting trend in amongst Eskom’s dysfunction. Namely that Tuesday is the worst day of the week for load-shedding, reports Business Tech.

WORST DAY OF THE WEEK FOR LOAD-SHEDDING

It’s more of a systems analysis than anything else. But it’s apparent that a typical South African energy week starts on good footing, taking with it weekend cessations. However, after a generally rough Monday, by the time Tuesday arrives, the grid comes under strain and load-shedding intensifies.

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Of course, there are outliers to Tuesday being the worst day of the week for load-shedding. However, you’re pretty much guaranteed that if load-shedding is going to get worse, chances are it will worsen on a Tuesday!

NETWORK PROTECTION

Jordaan, speaking to Business Tech in an interview, explained that the trend of the worst day of the week for load-shedding isn’t that mysterious once you understand it. A National Grid System Operator ‘defends’ the network against peaks on Mondays by using maximum capacity.

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This reduces capacity very quickly and Eskom must call on load-shedding to lessen usage in the following days, thus buying time to replenish diesel and water stocks, explained Jordaan.

WHAT IS THE WORST TIME OF DAY?

The biggest power demand comes every morning and every evening as households prepare for the day and come home. “The utility has special power generating stations – mainly diesel/gas generators – that can ramp up output in minutes or even seconds to deal with the peaks,” explained Jordaan.

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This extra capacity keeps the grid stable. However, after widespread use on a Monday to keep the lights on, the last remaining MW available need to be preserved for emergency margins. Therefore, to keep the buffer in place, Tuesday ends up being the worst day of the week for load-shedding.

So, there you have it, a whole new meaning to “See you next Tuesday!”

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