Several areas were affected by a power outage on Sunday. Photo: Stock Image / Pixabay
Here’s how to prepare for dreaded Stage 6 load shedding *if* implemented
With continuous power outages making a comeback, Stage 6 load shedding and higher levels haven’t clearly been explained.
Several areas were affected by a power outage on Sunday. Photo: Stock Image / Pixabay
Embattled power utility Eskom announced during the week that the country may reach Stage 6 load shedding. The SOE revealed that this could become a reality if they run out of diesel and water.
South Africans have since been rushing around to ensure their work is up to date and meals are cooked early. Alternative power sources are just not in the cards for many South African citizens.
Eskom speaks about continous power outages
On the morning of 9 March, Eskom’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) Jan Oberholzer stated that balancing emergency resources is “critically important”. The balance of such resources will aid in avoiding situations that could potentially be worse.
ALSO READ: ‘Midnight’: South Africans share their favourite loadshedding schedules
According to IOL, Oberholzer stated that avoiding Stage 6 load shedding by responsibly using its little resources is what resulted in Eskom implementing Stage 4 load shedding.
What exactly is Stage 6 loadshedding?
Eskom will shed 6,000MW for Stage 6 load shedding. This means that Stage 6 doubles the frequency of Stage 3 load shedding. Adding to this, South Africans can be impacted approximately 18 more times for four days.
The power outages could last up to four and a half hours at a time. With Stage 6, locals could expect load shedding 18 times over the span of eight days. This would amount to about two hours of power outages at a time.
How to prepare for higher stages
- For those who need an internet connection, an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) is essential. Work and even schooling in the time of COVID-19 can be severely impacted by load shedding. Investing in a UPS could save you.
- As for cooking, a gas stove is imperative in combating Stage 6 or higher stages. People tend to spend hours at work or school and coming home with no electricity and therefore, no food is disheartening. Purchasing a gas stove may make your life a little bit easier.
- A cheap alternative to solar or battery operated lights would be an old-school candle. In order to keep some sort of light in your house at night, candles are definitely affordable for most households in SA.
- If you’re willing to dig a bit deeper into your pockets, a generator could be beneficial for Stage 6 load shedding. Portable generators start at around R2,000. This all depends on the size and wattage of the item.
ALSO READ: Load shedding leaves Cape Town train commuters stranded
