essay topics about loadshedding

Effects of Load Shedding Essay Guide

Writing an essay about the effects of load shedding can be a great way to explore its impact on society, economy, and everyday life.

Facts on Load shedding:

Here are 10 factual points about load shedding in South Africa, complete with evidence and specific details:

• Definition and Context : Load shedding in South Africa is the deliberate interruption of electricity supply to prevent the overload of the national power grid, managed by Eskom , the main electricity supplier.
• Eskom’s Financial Struggles : Eskom has been facing severe financial issues , with a debt burden exceeding R400 billion by the end of 2020, significantly impacting its infrastructure and maintenance capabilities.
• Aging Infrastructure : Much of South Africa’s power generating capacity is from plants that are over 30 years old , with frequent breakdowns and maintenance issues contributing to the need for load shedding.
• Renewable Energy Integration : By 2020, South Africa had integrated over 3,000 megawatts of renewable energy into the national grid as part of its Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP) to alleviate some pressure from the grid.
• Impact on the Economy : T he South African economy loses approximately R500 million per stage , per day during load shedding, impacting economic growth and investor confidence.
• Duration and Frequency : In 2023, South Africa experienced its worst year of load shedding on record, with more hours of blackouts , significantly higher than in previous years.
• Public Response and Protests : Frequent load shedding has led to public dissatisfaction and protests, with citizens and businesses expressing frustration over the disruption and financial losses caused.
• Impact on Water Supply : Load shedding impacts water supply systems that rely on electric pumps, leading to water shortages during power cuts, affecting many communities.
• Educational Disruptions : Schools and universities are severely affected during load shedding, with disruptions in digital learning platforms and essential services, impacting students’ academic performance.
• Government Measures : In response to the crisis, the South African government announced plans to procure additional power from independent power producers and increase the generation limit for companies to produce their own electricity without requiring a license.

These facts highlight the significant challenges and implications of load shedding in South Africa, affecting various sectors and the everyday lives of its citizens.

Here’s a guide to help you structure your essay and cover all the necessary points:

1. Introduction

• Background : Briefly explain what load shedding is, including why and where it occurs. Load shedding is typically a last-resort measure used by utility companies to avoid a total blackout.
• Thesis Statement : Present the main argument or perspective of your essay, such as the significant disruptions load shedding causes in various aspects of life.

2. Body Sections

Section one: effects on daily life.

• Household Impact : Discuss how load shedding affects household activities—everything from cooking and heating to using electronic devices that require power.
• Social Impact : Explore how scheduled and unscheduled power outages affect social interactions and community events.

Section Two: Economic Consequences

• Business Operations : Analyze the impact on businesses, particularly those that rely heavily on consistent power supply like manufacturing and retail.
• Employment : Consider the effects on employment, especially in sectors where power is essential, leading to reduced working hours or even job losses.

Section Three: Healthcare and Safety

• Healthcare Services : Discuss how power cuts impact hospitals and clinics, affecting everything from surgical procedures to the preservation of medicines.
• Public Safety : Explore issues related to street lighting, traffic lights, and emergency services that can be severely compromised during outages.

Section Four: Educational Disruptions

• Schools and Learning : Examine how load shedding affects educational institutions, influencing teaching methods, and student performance, especially with online learning platforms.

3. Solutions and Mitigations

• Government and Policy Responses : Describe potential policy measures or government interventions that could mitigate the impact of load shedding.
• Technological Solutions : Discuss the role of alternative energy sources like solar and wind power, and innovations like backup generators or energy storage systems.

4. Conclusion

• Summary of Points : Recap the main effects of load shedding discussed in the essay.
• Final Thoughts : End with a reflective thought or call to action, considering the future of energy reliability and how communities might adapt to ongoing challenges.

Additional Tips

• Use Examples : Provide real-life examples or case studies to illustrate your points more vividly.
• Cite Sources : Make sure to use reliable sources for your information and cite them appropriately to strengthen your arguments.

This structure should give you a solid foundation to write a comprehensive essay on the effects of load shedding. Remember to keep your writing clear and organized, so your readers can easily understand the magnitude of the issue and the possible ways forward.

Essay Example on the Effects of Load Shedding:

Sure, I’ll craft a sample essay on the effects of load shedding based on the structure we just discussed.

Title: Navigating the Darkness: The Profound Effects of Load Shedding on Society

Introduction

In many parts of the world, load shedding has become a common, albeit disruptive, strategy to manage insufficient power supply against overwhelming demand. This deliberate power outage, though a preventative measure against a total blackout, has significant consequences for residents, businesses, and essential services in affected regions. This essay explores the myriad ways in which load shedding impacts daily life, economic stability, healthcare, education, and proposes potential solutions to mitigate these effects.

Effects on Daily Life

Load shedding interrupts more than just the power supply; it disrupts the rhythm of everyday life. Households find themselves planning their schedules around power availability, affecting cooking, heating, and the use of electronic appliances. Socially, the unpredictability of load shedding strains community events and gatherings, often leading to cancellations or diminished attendance. In regions where power cuts occur during the evening, activities are either hurried before darkness or postponed indefinitely, fostering a sense of instability and frustration among communities.

Economic Consequences

Economically, the implications of load shedding are profound. Businesses that depend on consistent electricity supply, such as manufacturing plants and retail stores, face operational disruptions that can lead to significant financial losses. Small businesses, lacking the resources to invest in backup power solutions, are particularly vulnerable. This instability not only affects business owners but also the employment landscape, as workers may experience reduced hours or job losses due to decreased productivity.

Healthcare and Safety

The impact of load shedding on healthcare facilities can be dire. Hospitals and clinics rely on electricity to power surgical rooms, store medications, and maintain life-support systems. Power outages pose severe risks to patient care, potentially leading to life-threatening situations. Furthermore, public safety is compromised during power cuts as street and traffic lights go dark, increasing the risk of accidents and crime.

Educational Disruptions

Educational institutions are not spared from the effects of load shedding. Schools and universities face challenges in delivering consistent educational experiences, particularly with the increasing reliance on digital tools and online learning platforms. Interruptions in power supply can cause significant setbacks in student learning outcomes and widen the educational gap in under-resourced communities.

Solutions and Mitigations

Addressing the challenges of load shedding requires concerted efforts from governments, private sectors, and communities. Policy initiatives focused on upgrading infrastructure and investing in renewable energy sources can reduce the frequency and severity of power cuts. Additionally, promoting the adoption of alternative energy solutions, such as solar panels and wind turbines, in both residential and commercial sectors can provide more stability. Technological innovations, including energy-efficient appliances and smart grid technologies, also play a crucial role in managing power more effectively.

While load shedding serves as a temporary solution to a larger issue of power supply shortages, its effects are far-reaching and detrimental. As we look to the future, it is imperative that concerted efforts are made to address these challenges through robust policy, innovative technology, and community resilience. Only then can we hope to mitigate the disruptions caused by load shedding and move towards a more stable and sustainable energy future.

This example should give you a good idea of how to structure and flesh out your own essay on the effects of load shedding. Feel free to adapt the points and add more specific examples relevant to your context or research.

More Useful Tips

What is the conclusion of a load shedding essay?

Conclusion : Load shedding, while a temporary fix for power shortages, profoundly affects daily life, economic activities, healthcare, and education. Efforts to mitigate its impacts should focus on improving energy infrastructure, investing in renewable sources, and adopting innovative technologies. Through these measures, we can reduce the frequency and severity of load shedding, aiming for a more stable and sustainable energy future.

What are the disadvantages of load shedding for students?

Disadvantages of Load Shedding for Students :

• Disruption of Learning : Power outages interrupt both physical and online classes, affecting the continuity and quality of education.
• Reduced Study Time : Students rely on electricity for lighting to study during evening hours. Without power, their study time is significantly reduced.
• Impact on Technology Usage : Many educational tools and resources are digital. Load shedding limits access to these resources, hindering learning.
• Increased Stress : The unpredictability of load shedding can increase anxiety and stress among students, affecting their academic performance and overall well-being.

What is load shedding paragraph (200 words, easy)?

Load Shedding Explained : Load shedding is when the power supply is intentionally cut off to a part of the electricity network. This is done to prevent the entire system from failing. Often, it happens when there is not enough power to meet the demand from all customers. Load shedding can be scheduled, where people know in advance when the power will go off, or it can be unexpected if there is a sudden shortage of power.

For many people, load shedding is a part of daily life. It means they might not have lights, heating, or the ability to use appliances like stoves and microwaves during the outage. Businesses have to close early, or they can’t operate efficiently, which can lead to lost money and even jobs. Hospitals and schools also face big challenges because they need electricity to function properly.

In areas where load shedding is common, people often have to plan their days around these power cuts. This can be really tough, especially if the power goes out for a long time. Overall, load shedding is a big problem that affects many parts of everyday life.

How does load shedding affect students essay?

Impact on Students : Load shedding significantly disrupts the educational journey of students. Scheduled and unscheduled power outages lead to missed lectures and inconsistency in learning. Students who rely on the internet for their studies are especially hard-hit, with disruptions leading to incomplete assignments and inadequate preparation for exams. The lack of lighting during evening hours limits their ability to study effectively, impacting their academic performance. Additionally, the stress and uncertainty caused by frequent power interruptions can lead to decreased motivation and mental health challenges. Addressing these issues requires innovative solutions and support systems to ensure educational continuity despite power challenges.

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Effects of Load Shedding in South Africa Essay Guide

Effects of Load Shedding in South Africa Essay Guide: Load shedding, a term all too familiar to South Africans, refers to the deliberate interruption of electricity supply to various areas as a last resort to prevent the collapse of the power system. This practice has become increasingly prevalent in South Africa due to the inability of the national power utility, Eskom, to meet the country’s electricity demands. In this essay guide, we will delve into the various effects load shedding has on South Africa, ranging from economic consequences to social implications and potential solutions.

Effects of Load Shedding in South Africa

Economic consequences.

Load shedding has a profound impact on the South African economy. The consequences include:

a) Loss of Productivity: Businesses experience significant losses in productivity due to load shedding . The intermittent power supply hinders the ability to operate efficiently and fulfill orders in a timely manner.

b) Decreased Foreign Investment: The unreliable power supply deters foreign investors, which negatively impacts the nation’s economic growth and job creation.

c) Increased Cost of Goods and Services: With businesses having to rely on costly alternative power sources, such as generators, the cost of production increases. This leads to an increase in the prices of goods and services.

Social Implications

The effects of load shedding extend beyond the economic sphere, impacting the daily lives of South Africans:

a) Disrupted Education: Load shedding affects educational institutions, interrupting classes and hampering students’ learning experiences.

b) Health and Safety Concerns: Hospitals and other healthcare facilities face challenges in maintaining proper care for patients, while crime rates can also increase due to inadequate lighting and security systems in the dark.

c) Inconvenience and Stress: Load shedding disrupts daily routines, causing frustration and stress among citizens as they struggle to cope with the unpredictability of power outages.

Environmental Impact

Load shedding contributes to environmental concerns, as individuals and businesses turn to alternative power sources:

a) Increased Carbon Emissions: The use of diesel generators as a backup power source results in higher carbon emissions, which exacerbates climate change and air pollution.

b) Depletion of Natural Resources: The reliance on non-renewable energy sources, such as diesel and coal, for backup power depletes the country’s natural resources and further damages the environment.

Potential Solutions

Addressing the issue of load shedding in South Africa requires both short-term and long-term strategies:

a) Expanding and Diversifying Energy Sources: Investing in alternative, renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, can help reduce the country’s reliance on an overburdened power grid.

b) Improving Infrastructure: Upgrading and maintaining the existing power infrastructure will increase its efficiency and capacity, reducing the need for load shedding.

c) Encouraging Energy Efficiency: Promoting energy conservation practices and implementing energy-efficient technologies can help reduce overall energy consumption.

d) Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborating with the private sector to develop and maintain power infrastructure can help address some of the challenges facing the public utility.

How to choose topics related to the Effects of Load Shedding in South Africa

When choosing a topic for your load-shedding essay, consider the following:

• Your area of interest: What aspect of load shedding in South Africa interests you the most?
• Relevance: Is the topic you are choosing relevant to the current situation in South Africa?
• Availability of information: Is there enough information available on your chosen topic to write a well-researched essay?
• Uniqueness: Is your topic unique and original?

List of Topics:

• The economic impact of load shedding in South Africa
• Load shedding and the environment: the effects of carbon emissions
• Load shedding and education: how it affects students’ learning
• Load shedding and crime: the correlation between power outages and crime rates
• The effects of load shedding on the mining industry in South Africa
• Load shedding and healthcare: how it affects the healthcare system in South Africa
• The psychological effects of load shedding on South Africans
• The impact of load shedding on small businesses in South Africa
• The role of renewable energy in reducing load shedding in South Africa
• Load shedding and water scarcity: the impact on water supply in South Africa
• The effects of load shedding on South Africa’s tourism industry
• The impact of load shedding on South Africa’s industrial sector
• The role of government in managing load shedding in South Africa
• The impact of load shedding on South Africa’s international relations
• The effects of load shedding on the telecommunications industry in South Africa
• Load shedding and gender-based violence: the link between power outages and violence against women
• The impact of load shedding on South Africa’s agricultural sector
• Load shedding and food security: the effects of power outages on food production and distribution
• The effects of load shedding on South Africa’s transportation industry
• Load shedding and the digital divide: the impact on access to the internet and technology
• The impact of load shedding on South Africa’s informal sector
• Load shedding and household energy consumption: the effects on electricity bills
• The impact of load shedding on South Africa’s entertainment industry
• Load shedding and the manufacturing industry: the impact on production and supply chain
• The effects of load shedding on South Africa’s real estate industry
• Load shedding and the retail sector: the impact on consumer spending
• The impact of load shedding on South Africa’s stock market
• Load shedding and air pollution: the effects on air quality in South Africa
• The impact of load shedding on South Africa’s renewable energy goals
• Load shedding and the gig economy: the impact on freelance workers in South Africa.

Video: Impact of load shedding on businesses

These topics are not exhaustive, and you can develop them further based on your interest and research. Remember to choose a topic that is relevant, unique, and has enough information to support your argument.

Load shedding in South Africa has far-reaching consequences that touch everyaspect of society. From economic challenges to social implications and environmental concerns, the effects of this crisis are pervasive and complex. Addressing load shedding requires a multifaceted approach that includes investing in alternative energy sources, improving existing infrastructure, promoting energy efficiency, and fostering public-private partnerships. By acknowledging and addressing these challenges head-on, South Africa can work towards a more stable and sustainable energy future for its citizens. In doing so, the nation will be better equipped to support economic growth, improve quality of life, and contribute to global efforts in mitigating climate change.

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• Open access
• Published: 09 September 2023

The effects of loadshedding on small and medium enterprises in the Collins Chabane local municipality

• Mkateko Vivian Mabunda   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-6128-3134 1 ,
• Ricky Munyaradzi Mukonza 2 &
• Lufuno Robert Mudzanani 2  

Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship volume  12 , Article number:  57 ( 2023 ) Cite this article

36k Accesses

9 Citations

Metrics details

South Africa is at present experiencing electricity shortages resulting in loadshedding. Loadshedding is the action from an electricity supplier (Eskom) of rolling power cuts that intend to lessen the load on the power supply system when Eskom is not able to supply a high electricity demand. Loadshedding remains one of the country's most critical challenges and has affected day-to-day business activities leading to some small businesses closing their operations. In developing economies, small businesses play a significant role in the wellbeing of rural dwellers and are a major tool for local economic development. At present, there is limited evidence in the literature pointing out the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Collins Chabane Local Municipality (CCLM) in terms of the effects of loadshedding but there is literature describing similar issues in other geographical areas. The exploration of the effects of loadshedding on SMEs in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality was crucial to empower small SMEs, cover scholarly gaps, contribute to policy development, and participate in academic discourse. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, adopting a triangulation research design. The sample consisted of 125 members of the target population, which included the SME owners/managers and officials from the Collins Chabane Local Municipality such as the Local Economic Development (LED) manager, Electricity manager, and a technician. The sample was selected using purposive, snowball non-probability sampling, and cluster probability sampling. A total of 100 respondents were selected for the quantitative study, while 25 participants were selected for the qualitative study. Therefore, 100 respondents completed questionnaires and 25 respondents participated in the face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The quantitative data were analysed using the statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS), while the qualitative data were analysed using the thematic method of analysis. According to the quantitative findings, loadshedding costs small and medium-sized businesses in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality an average of 61% of their total revenue. Additionally, 59% of these companies had to lay off their employees because they were unable to pay their wages. The Chi-square results demonstrate that loadshedding has been experienced uniformly by everyone, irrespective of their demographic and business demographic status. Therefore, demographics have no significant influence on the experience of loadshedding. The qualitative results reveal that the losses associated with the effects of loadshedding on SMEs’ production are untenable. There is an urgent need to alleviate the effects of loadshedding on SMEs. An alternative source of power is a requirement for small businesses in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality. It is for this reason that the South African government should grant small businesses a subsidy for the purchase of alternative sources of energy such as strong generators and solar panels to support them during periods of loadshedding. In addition, the South African government should encourage and capacitate small businesses in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality to participate in producing and supplying renewable energy by funding them, and further, foster cooperation among small businesses and companies that are successful in the production of renewable energy. This will assist in adding electricity generation capacity to the national grid and help eliminate electricity instability.

Introduction and background

Small businesses have found expression in development agendas such as the National Development Plan 2030, African Agenda 2063, and Sustainable Development Goals. The role small businesses play mainly in rural areas is directly linked to employment creation and income generation. For these reasons, small businesses located in rural economies are regarded as a sustainable avenue for local economic development (Rohini et al., 2018 ). In Limpopo province and Collins Chabane Local Municipality (CCLM), the number of small businesses initiated has increased over the past decade. According to the General Household Survey ( 2018 ), Collins Chabane Local Municipality has a considerate number of small businesses, which shows a positive economic trend in terms of the development of the municipality. Additionally, the number of small businesses operating in the tourism and agricultural sectors has increased and is highly reliant on pre-paid electricity for daily operations (Community Survey, 2016 ). Against this background, small businesses in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality depend on the electricity supply as one major utility. However, CCLM has no licence for the supply and reticulation of electricity, and therefore relies heavily on Eskom for the supply and reticulation of electricity within the area of its jurisdiction (Collins Chabane Local Municipality Integrated Development Plan, 2019 ).

On the other hand, Eskom, South Africa’s major supplier of electricity, has been battling with the imbalance between demand and supply of electricity since 2007, which compelled them to implement loadshedding for all customers; however, loadshedding has become more severe since 2019, when South Africa began to see a higher stage of loadshedding for the first time, such as stage 6 (Schoeman & Saunders, 2018 ). Since 2022, loadshedding in South Africa has been almost perpetual, with stages up to stage 8 (Businesstech, 2023a , 2023b ). However, Eskom is currently proposing up to stage 16 of loadshedding (eNCA, 2023 ). Ateba et al. ( 2019 ) argue that these imbalances are mainly caused by electricity theft (bridging), cable theft, the breakdown of power stations, and tariff cross-subsidisation. In contrast, Phiri ( 2017 ) argues that the introduction of technology into manufacturing processes has led to an insignificant increase in electricity demand. Jain and Jain ( 2017 ) and Botha ( 2019 ) reveal that the imbalance mentioned is mainly because Eskom has been trying to address the social injustices or inequalities caused by the apartheid government. This includes a deliberate effort to accelerate the provision of electricity to most black citizens who were disadvantaged because of apartheid. Nevertheless, customers, which include businesses, citizens, and academics, complain about the negative effect that loadshedding has on the country’s capacity for economic development. Even now, the Pretoria High Court has granted Eskom a loadshedding exemption order for hospitals and schools (Businesstech, 2023a , 2023b ). This is due to the role played by electricity in the mentioned sectors of the economy. It has been discovered that several businesses shut down as a result of loadshedding, including small businesses. Small businesses in CCLM are not immune to loadshedding challenges since Eskom is their main source of electricity and there are no backup options for electricity supply. The small businesses in CCLM experience production challenges because of loadshedding because electricity plays an important role in service delivery and the production processes of these small businesses. This study argues that the quality of electricity delivered influences the performance of SMEs and their contributions to municipal economic prosperity. The studies conducted by Nkwinika and Munzhedzi ( 2016 ) also support the fact that electricity is essential to business production and contributes to sustainable development in the country. A study conducted by Mbungu and Inglesi-Lotz ( 2022 ) endorses the fact that a secure and uninterrupted supply of electrical energy is essential to certain sectors of the economy. Therefore, loadshedding affects the SMEs’ potential for survival, their competitiveness, and their contributions to the municipality’s prosperity.

At present, there is limited evidence in the literature pointing out the SMEs in CCLM in terms of the effects of loadshedding but rather there is literature describing similar issues in other geographical areas. It is therefore critical to understand how loadshedding affects SMEs’ in Collins Chabane Local Municipality to empower SMEs, fill a noticeable academic gap, and contribute to the academic dialogue. The study provides strategies that SMEs can use to lessen the challenges experienced due to loadshedding. Furthermore, the results of the study are useful to the supporting structures within small business development, such as the Department of Small Business Development. More so, the results of this study are valuable for future researchers to further develop strategies for small-business development. Lastly, the study gives recommendations for further research to enrich the literature on loadshedding since it is an area of concern to policymakers. Accordingly, the effects of loadshedding on small and medium enterprises within the mentioned municipality are explained.

A mixed method was used in this study, adopting a triangulation research design to best answer the research questions. A sample of 125 was selected using non-probability purposive and snowball sampling and cluster probability sampling and a total of 100 respondents were selected for the quantitative study. The mentioned sample included 122 Small Enterprise Owners within CCLM, one electricity supply manager, one electrical technician, and one manager from the Local Economic Development section of the Municipality. Therefore, 100 respondents took part in the completion of the questionnaires and 25 respondents participated in the face-to-face semi-structured interviews. The quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, while the qualitative data were analysed using a thematic analysis. In the next segment, a summary of the literature survey, theoretical framework underpinning the study, and research methodology are presented, followed by the results and discussion of the results, conclusion, and recommendation.

Literature review

The current literature maintains that electricity has a significant impact on the living conditions of citizens, the economy, social life, sustainable development, productivity and poverty alleviation (Emovon et al., 2018 ; Gehringer et al., 2019 ). Despite this, research shows that most developing nations, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, including South Africa, are unable to supply sustainable electricity. This is evident from the implementation of never-ending loadshedding (Amadi, 2015 ; Boakye et al., 2016 ; Schoeman & Saunders, 2018 ).

Loadshedding as the deliberate shutdown of electricity supply to parts of the economy has been experienced in South Africa for the past decade (Ateba et al., 2019 ). The main causes of loadshedding in South Africa are linked to the breakdowns in the main power plants such as unplanned cuts of the conveyor belts, which often leads to breaking turbines (Head, 2019 ). The breakdowns result in insufficient electricity available to meet the demands of customers, leading to scheduled loadshedding. There are several effects of loadshedding on the economy, such as hindered growth of SMEs. In South Africa, SMEs operate in an open system where the demand and supply of goods are affected by market forces (Prabowo & Noegraheni, 2019 ). Concerning market forces, the supply of goods and services to SMEs has a positive impact on the production processes hence the growth of the businesses.

In light of the above-mentioned challenges, limited electricity supply has the potential to, directly or indirectly, affect the socio-economic development, production, and service delivery within industries that contribute to economic development (Boakye et al., 2016 ; Steenkamp, 2016 ; Stockholm Environment Institute Working Paper, 2017 ). Goldberg ( 2015 ) examines the impact of an unstable electricity supply on South African retailers. The results indicate that R13.72 billion rand was lost in revenue for the first 6 months of 2014, revealing the impact unstable electricity supply has on the economy. In a similar field of study to that of Goldberg ( 2015 ), Schoeman and Saunders ( 2018 ) investigate the impacts and costs of power outages on small businesses in six shopping centres located in the north-western parts of the City of Johannesburg. The results indicate that loadshedding causes them to lose customers, decreases business income, and makes it expensive to run the business since they must obtain backup systems. In another study, Botha ( 2019 ) evaluates the impact of loadshedding on restaurant productivity in Nelson Mandela Bay. The results confirm that loadshedding is a major concern since it harms productivity.

Boakye et al. ( 2016 ) explore the impact of a power outage (‘Dumsor’) on the hotel industry in Ghana. The results indicate that unreliable power causes a decrease in hotel industry production. Furthermore, the insufficient and unsustainable power supply has, therefore, been observed as a major problem in Ghana. Similarly, Bouri and Assad ( 2016 ) contribute to the political and scientific debate surrounding the economic costs entailed by the regular power cuts in Lebanon. Results indicate that electricity shortages continue to harm the economy and society as a whole.

Amadi ( 2015 ) investigates the causes of persistent power outages in Port Harcourt City. The study discovered that the main causes of persistent power outages are inadequate power generating capacity, a shortage of gas, weak and dilapidated electrical transmission and distribution network, and inadequate power infrastructure facilities. Politano ( 2019 ) further explores how consumers use social media networking sites during power outage events. This study reveals that power outages affect access to websites, and business, and affect the daily routine of residents. Haes Alhelou et al. ( 2019 ) state that the root cause of blackouts globally is faulty, aging equipment, and human error.

The above-mentioned authors, including studies conducted by Baker and Phillips ( 2019 ), Hedden and Hedden ( 2015 ), Inglesi-Lotz and Pouris ( 2016 ), Jain and Jain ( 2017 ), Jamal ( 2015 ), Lovins and Eberhard ( 2018 ), Mapane (2017), Pouris ( 2016 ), Sewchurran and Davidson ( 2016 ), Schwerhoff and Sy ( 2017 ), Taliotis et al. ( 2014 ), Valasai et al. ( 2017 ) are of the same view that electricity generation and supply play a significant role in the economy countrywide and that unreliable electricity generation has an enormous negative effect on input and output within the business sector.

Noticeably, most energy studies have been conducted in Nigeria and Zimbabwe. Paris et al., ( 2016 : 07) highlight that more South African research is needed in the field of electricity. Furthermore, the majority of these studies are conducted in the field of business management, therefore, there is a need for this subject matter to be conducted in the field of public administration. Moreover, no study seeks to investigate the effect of loadshedding on the small and medium enterprises within Collins Chabane Municipality. As a result, this study aims to determine the effect of loadshedding on these enterprises in the selected municipality.

Conceptual framework of the study

Figure  1 illustrates the conceptual framework of this study.

Conceptual framework. Author (2020)

As illustrated in Fig.  1 , the loadshedding conceptual framework of this study is grounded mainly on four factors: small business measures, disrupted communication, operational costs, and low productivity. The framework follows that electricity shortages are mainly caused by loadshedding, which in turn affects small-scale business productivity. Electricity is an important factor of production and is needed in any business for quality products and services, considering that all other factors are normal. Therefore, loadshedding as outlined in the literature and captured in the conceptual framework leads to disrupted communication between businesses and their stakeholders. As an example, online transactions are usually disrupted and productivity is lowered affecting sales volumes. The given example negatively affects the customer’s perception of the business while the business suffers damage to its brand, resulting in poor customer retention.

Furthermore, security systems may be interrupted affecting their normal flow and paving the way for possible security breaches to occur. As a result, small businesses are reasonably exposed to potential threats that could affect the productivity of the business such as fire, theft, and poor stock management. Consider a fresh meat supplier who relies heavily on constant electricity for quality products to be delivered: due to power cuts, the supplier is forced to opt for alternate sources of power or rather cope with an intensive meat quality reduction. Due to measures implemented by small businesses to manage power cuts, operational costs are likely to fluctuate, which affects effective cost management and collectively limits small business development and growth. Hence, this study was conducted within the perimeters of the conceptual framework to develop an intervention plan founded on practical strategies that SMEs may use to survive the unstable source of power the targeted municipal area experiences.

Theoretical framework

Various models and theories for comprehending small business structures have been developed and applied throughout the world (Maziriri & Chinomona, 2016 ). Nevertheless, this study uses complexity and resource-based view theory to comprehend the extent to which small businesses in the Collins Chabane local municipality have been affected by the loadshedding. Therefore, complexity theory was useful in understanding how small businesses interact and how their interaction is affected by loadshedding. Resources-based theory, on the other hand, was used to determine the resources available to SMEs to keep them competitive and alive, as well as how loadshedding affects their resources and limits their competitive advantages.

Complexity theory

This theory holds that organisations are made up of interconnected and well-structured parts and the decision or action of one component affects the other (Park & Jo, 2017 ). Thus, a goal of complexity theory is to understand how parts of the system interact, how they change over time, emphasises how systems tend to evolve in a nonlinear fashion and how feedback loops affect the evolution system (Rosenhead et al., 2019 ). The literature reveals that both internal and external factors can be forecast using this theory (Cairney & Geyer, 2017 ). Therefore, it was useful in understanding how small businesses interact and how their interaction was affected by the loadshedding.

This study supports this theory by confirming that organisations operate in a complex internal and external system. According to the results of this study, small businesses operate within internal systems consisting of input, transformation, and output. In addition, they operate within an external system consisting of the government, which includes the national, provincial, and local government (municipalities), suppliers, Eskom, customers, and the community at large. Small businesses interact with the mentioned organisations to be competitive, survive and contribute to local economic development.

The findings show that the national and provincial governments provide policies and financial support and establish institutions to support small businesses with the aim of improving the economy. Municipalities interact with small businesses by giving them rules and regulations on how they should operate, supplying them with services such as water, sewage, and waste removal, and issuing permits for them to operate. In turn, SMEs should pay for such services. As a result of their payments to municipalities, small businesses become an essential component of municipalities’ development. Small businesses interact with suppliers of raw materials to purchase what they need to use in the manufacturing process. Small businesses turn to Eskom for electricity to run their manufacturing machines, which in turn leads to innovation and technology adoption, and Eskom, in turn, receives money from small businesses. The business interacts with the community, which is also its customer; the community purchases the small business’s output, which helps the business survive financially; in turn, the small business provides employment opportunities to the community. This results in the reduction of poverty and the local economic development of the area.

The theory states further that a decision made in one component affects the whole system (Lai & Lin 2017 ; Rosenhead et al., 2019 ). The study agrees with the theory by pointing out that Eskom’s loadshedding, which disrupts small businesses’ manufacturing processes, has made the whole system dysfunctional. As a result of loadshedding, raw materials are not supplied on time by suppliers, which causes a delay in SME manufacturing, which leads to a lack of trust and a decline in customer loyalty. As a result, small businesses are no longer able to play an effective role in addressing socio-economic challenges such as unemployment, poverty eradication, and inequality, and preventing government policies from achieving their goals of economic development.

The theory also points out that this system consists of feedback loops in which the system's components receive inputs from the environment, convert them into outputs, and then return the outputs to the environment in a continuous feedback loop (Lai & Lin, 2017 ). Whether the data generated are positive or negative, it provides benchmarks to measure and improve SMEs’ performance (Esu & Ufot, 2017 ). As predicted by the theory, the results demonstrate that the outcome of the process has feedback, whether positive or negative. It has been found that their performance feedback manifests in more referrals, customers, sponsors, and job opportunities, as well as advancements in technology and innovation. In cases where they are not performing well, customers decline, job opportunities disappear, poverty increases, and the use of technology becomes slow. Given that loadshedding is still occurring, SMEs in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality are unable to respond to criticisms or feedback. Unless an alternative source of power is arranged for them or subsidies are provided for them to purchase backups as the study suggests, they will not able to do their best.

Resource-based view

Resource-based view (RBV) theory urges that the possession of strategic resources provides an organisation with a golden opportunity to develop a competitive advantage over its rivals (Idowu et al., 2020 ). This theory was used to determine the resources available to SMEs in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality to keep them competitive and alive, as well as how loadshedding affects their resources and limits their competitive advantages. The results of this study support the theory by asserting that businesses use unique resources to remain competitive. It was discovered that small businesses in CCLM use unique technology equipment for production and marketing strategies, as well as human resources with varying skills and levels of innovative thinking, to be productive and remain competitive. However, loadshedding has made it difficult for them to remain competitive because they have had to let go of some of their valuable resources. The results reveal that 59% of small businesses in the CCLM retrenched their employees due to inability to pay their salaries, and production machines were damaged. According to this study, the provision of sustainable electricity can end the loadshedding-related disturbances of small enterprises. Although the provision of sustainable electricity is not achievable at this point, the recommendations made in this paper can help minimise the effects of loadshedding on small businesses.

Research methodology

A mixed-method approach was used, adopting the triangulation research design to best answer the research objectives of the study. This approach assisted the researcher with different but complementary data on the same topic to best understand the research problem. The sample of this study was selected from the target population. The ideal target population is defined as the population that incorporates the total collection of all units of analysis about which the researcher wishes to make specific conclusions (Asiamah et al., 2017 ). The Collins Chabane Local Municipality consists of a population of approximately 347,975 people (Collins Chabane Local Municipality Integrated Development Plan, 2021– 2022 ). The population was then reduced to meet the study criteria. Study subjects were only small businesses of any kind that are autonomous, affected by loadshedding, and run by individuals or entities that are not branches of larger corporations with less than 200 employees. Small business owners, regardless of race or nationality, in the Collins Chabane neighbourhood were considered. Moreover, Collins Chabane Local Municipality officials with experience facilitating local economic development and delivering electricity were considered. As a result, 125 samples were chosen from the population who satisfied the aforementioned requirements.

A sample size of 100 out of 125 was drawn to participate in the quantitative study through the guidance of the Raosoft sampling size calculator, and the samples used in previous studies conducted on similar issues were also considered. Therefore, this study consisted of 76 owners and 24 managers of small businesses who participated in the completion of questionnaires. The types of small businesses consulted are illustrated in Fig.  2 .

Type of business consulted

A total of 25 participants were selected to participate in the qualitative study through face-to-face, semi-structured interviews, and saturation was reached. Out of that number, there were 22 small enterprise owners within CCLM, one electricity supply manager, one electrical technician, and one manager from the local economic development section of the municipality. This study was dominated by small businesses, which constituted 122. The sample size was arrived at considering issues of improving data trustworthiness, credibility, transferability, and the general rule of thumb for phenomenological studies as is the case for this study (Creswell, 2015 ). The respondents who participated in the quantitative study were selected using probability cluster sampling and non-probability snowball sampling. The participants who took part in the interviews were selected using purposive non-probability sampling, since it focused on well-informed participants to provide detailed experiences and rich information on this subject.

The data collected through questionnaires were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Accordingly, descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, percentages, and mean were used to analyse the data, and inferential statistics such as Chi-square and linear regression were used to test the associations between the variables. The data collected by interview were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Moreover, before undertaking this research, approval was granted both by the participants and the municipality to conduct the research, and ethical clearance approval was also obtained from the Tshwane University of Technology ethical committee. None of the research participants were exposed to human practices. Furthermore, confidentiality was preserved by ensuring that no data was linked to any name via data coding. Lastly, consent forms were signed by participants and respondents.

Study limitations

Given the fact that loadshedding is a national issue, this study was limited to the electricity crisis or loadshedding in South Africa, focusing strictly on the effect of loadshedding on SMEs in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality. Data were collected through mixed-methods research techniques to obtain the views of SME owners and managers and the relevant respondents within CCLM in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Due to financial, transportation, and time constraints, the study sampled only 125 participants. The findings are not generalised to all municipalities in South Africa within the context of small business development. However, the findings can be transferred to other small businesses in municipalities that portray similar economic environments while facing similar loadshedding challenges, thereby contributing to the effectiveness of addressing this problem.

Qualitative results

The effects of loadshedding on small and medium-sized businesses.

The empirical evidence reveals that loadshedding interrupts production machines, business plans, financial flows, communication, and information flows. Further, loadshedding has implications for business income, service delivery, personnel, and operating resources, including security systems and the use of technologies. The implications of these are further discussed below.

Interruption of the production machines

Small and medium-sized businesses were asked whether loadshedding had an effect on their operations. Most small businesses in Collins Chabane Local Municipality run on electricity-powered machinery and technology. For example, brick yards use concrete block machines to make bricks; breadmaker machines are used by bakeries; granulator machines are used by mechanics for panelbeating; electricity-powered chargers and welding machines are used for cell phone repair, hairclippers and hair dryers are used in saloons; incubators are used for poultry businesses; and machines to cut meat and fridges to cool meat are used in butcheries, etc. Many of these businesses do not have backups, such as generators, due to a lack of financial resources. Because the equipment used requires an uninterrupted electricity supply for efficient production, this puts a halt to production and connectivity. As a result, the business is forced to close during loadshedding and reopens when it comes back. One respondent said:

It affects our daily operation. The stock gets rotten, fridges get damaged, and as I’m speaking, it has damaged the microwave and kettle. I have sent them to be fixed, which is an extra cost to the business is. When the electricity goes off while I’m done preparing potatoes to be fried, they end up getting rotten without being fried, so we had to throw them in a bin. It also results in pay cuts for employees since we are running at a loss. We don’t have generators, and we were once using a gas stove, but we stopped using it since it is dangerous at this place. There are many schoolchildren who are passing by.

Participants also emphasise the loss of profits and customers resulting from businesses closing due to loadshedding. Fast-food manufacturers or restaurants, for example, require electricity for every process of cooking meals. Because the processes demand an uninterrupted electrical supply for successful output, loadshedding causes poor output.

Another person said:

I have the electricity-powered chargers and the welding machine for cell phone repair. They shut off or cease to function during loadshedding. I can leave work during loadshedding without ever making a cent because the customer arrives and chooses to leave before the electricity is restored. I did not make any money that day, but I still have to pay rent, provide for my family, and pay the staff at the end of the month.

Another said:

I'm a motor mechanic who works to service motor vehicles, which includes overriding, changing of breaks, clutches, gearboxes, and diff, and I depend on electricity to do most of the things, like drilling and grinding. I have four employees. When there’s no electricity, we sit and do nothing, which delays us from doing our job. Loadshedding always has the potential to tarnish our business because we don’t deliver as promised. It has cost my company between R400 000 and R600 000 financially.

Interrupted business plan

The results show that small businesses, such as fast-food restaurants, often follow a set schedule regarding delivery and preparation of food. The incidence of loadshedding, however, prevents perishable goods from being delivered and delays the delivery of food. This results in both suppliers and SMEs losing money. Another owner said:

Most of the time we are unable to serve our customers since when they go for lunch you will find that we are not yet done preparing food due to loadshedding, so they end up going to other shops like Shoprite, and in that way, we lose customers.

Plans for poultry company delivery were disrupted since some stocked chickens perished because of loadshedding, which resulted in the delivery of less than what was agreed upon to the customers. Additionally, businesses that provide goods and services face frequent interruptions, leading to missed deadlines.

Interrupted financial, communication, and information flows

The results reveal that the machines that handle money or payments for small businesses, such as speed points, tills, and ATMs, require electricity for them to run. Therefore, if small businesses without backup electricity are unable to conduct online transactions due to loadshedding, the business has to send the customers back home without receiving any service. Other owners stated:

It has a financial impact on the business because we have to pay the rent at the end of the month and the landlord does not cut the price. Whether there is loadshedding or not, the costs remain the same.

Furthermore, loadshedding results in network issues, preventing businesses from accessing their emails and digital devices. In this way, their suppliers are unable to communicate or exchange information via email, cell phones, and other online platforms. As a result, SMEs are affected by loadshedding since they cannot transact or send information on time.

The following are the implications of loadshedding on business income, service delivery, personnel, and operating resources

In the event of loadshedding, financial performance declines because of a drop in customers. Businesses receive significantly less than they spend; they spend more money and get less profit. As a result of loadshedding, goods expire when they are not sold in time. Furthermore, food and stock rot when they are not kept chilled, and equipment is damaged and needs to be replaced. Other owners said:

I am running a fruit and vegetable business. Fruits do not last four to seven days unless they are refrigerated. So when there is loadshedding, fruits decay because we don’t have a place to store them, and I have to throw them away because we can’t sell a rotten stock, and if health officials discover that we are selling rotten stock, they can shut down our business. I used to have six employees, but I now only have four since it is tough to pay them.

Furthermore, rental businesses are suffering because loadshedding causes sewage systems to become blocked, which necessitates the expenditure of extra funds to unblock them. This further causes customer inconvenience, leading rental businesses to lose customers.

Interruption to security systems

Some small businesses use an alarm system to safeguard their assets. When there is loadshedding, many security systems are affected since they are powered by electricity. As a result, SMEs’ security is jeopardised because their systems are not performing at their best. Therefore, loadshedding exposes SMEs to theft, poor stock management and other forms of criminal activity. Another owner said:

…When loadshedding occurs regularly, it can quickly deplete backup batteries in alarm systems and other devices, such as electronic gates. This poses risks to the business because the failure of security systems allows theft to occur. Also, loadshedding damages electronics when one forgets to turn it off because when the electricity comes back, it comes with power with such force, electronics can be irreparably damaged.

Interruption on the use of technologies

IT businesses are unable to provide online services, assist schoolchildren with research, print, scan, or perform any other internet-required activities. This is because the IT and technology infrastructure are heavily reliant on electricity. This discourages the use of technological devices in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality.

Quantitative results

The quantitative results demonstrate the level of dependence on electricity by small businesses and the impact the loadshedding has on small companies in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality.

The question was posed to determine the level of dependence on electricity by small businesses in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality. The results in Table 1 show that 100% of the small businesses in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality rely on electricity to operate.

The study also used a questionnaire to examine whether loadshedding has an impact on small businesses in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality. The results in Table 2 show that all participants (100%) experienced loadshedding in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality.

Further, the test of association was performed by Chi-square to determine whether the experience of loadshedding is influenced by gender, age group, race group, educational level, marital status, respondents’ status, years in business, business area, type of business, employee numbers, working hours, additional income, the status of business premises, and the status of dependency on electricity. The findings demonstrate that loadshedding has been experienced uniformly by everyone, irrespective of their demographic and business demographic status. Therefore, none of the demographic factors mentioned had a significant influence on the experience of loadshedding.

The inquiry was made to see whether the small enterprises in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality had a backup power supply that they utilise when loadshedding occurs. Figure  3 shows that 95% of these businesses do not have an alternative source of power, whereas 5% of the businesses do.

The Collins Chabane local municipality's small enterprises were also asked about how frequently loadshedding occurs.

Alternative source of power

The result in Fig.  4 shows that most of these businesses (62%) experience loadshedding daily, followed by those that experience it weekly, which constitutes 32%. The remaining 5% very occasionally experience it, whereas the lowest percentage (1%) always did. Based on these results, it is that loadshedding severely affects SMEs in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality because the majority experience it daily.

The descriptive statistics were performed on the average working hours of loadshedding in a day, average turnover in a day with loadshedding, turnover when there is no loadshedding, and estimated loss due to a power outage to determine to what extent the small businesses in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality have been impacted by loadshedding. The results are shown in Table 3 .

How often loadshedding is experienced

Table 2 shows that on a day of loadshedding, the average working hours were five hours, the maximum number of hours was 11, and some did not work at all. The average turnover in a day with no loadshedding was 99%, the maximum was 100% and the minimum was 80%. On a day with loadshedding, the average turnover was 39%, but there was one with a maximum turnover of 100%, probably with an alternative source of power, and a minimum turnover of 0%, likely those without one. A power outage results in an average loss of 61%, which is significant because it is a large amount.

It was also determined whether the business had lost employees due to loadshedding. Figure  5 shows that the majority (59%) of small businesses lost their employees due to loadshedding, compared to the 41% that did not lose their employees. Considering that the number of businesses that lost employees is high, it can be concluded that loadshedding results in employee layoffs in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality and that loadshedding has impacted employment growth in South Africa at large.

Loss of employees due to loadshedding

Discussion of the results

The qualitative evidence reveals that electricity is a critical input to the production process of small businesses in the CCLM. This is supported by quantitative results, which show that 100% of small businesses in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality rely on electricity to operate and produce. These results also confirm that electricity is a vital part of industrial operations in both small and large businesses (Baker & Phillips, 2019 ). Studies by Phiri ( 2017 ), Chishimba (2017) and Nyoni ( 2019 ) endorse the importance of electricity by revealing that it drives economic growth in developing countries and that modern society is largely reliant upon it for daily routine. The study conducted by Schoeman and Saunders ( 2018 ) on the impact of loadshedding on small businesses in the City of Johannesburg also discovered that the majority of SMEs (90.7%) rely on electricity for the operation of their businesses. Thus, it may be said that power is essential for small enterprises to succeed.

The small businesses in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality suffer from loadshedding. Quantitative results in Table 2 confirm that 100% of small businesses in the CCLM experience loadshedding, with the majority experiencing it daily (62%). The findings also reveal that loadshedding interrupts production machines, business plans, financial flows, communication, and information flows. Further, loadshedding has implications for business income, service delivery, personnel, and operating resources, including security systems and the use of technology. As a result of the disruption to the production process, the majority (59%) of small businesses are forced to lay off their employees because they can no longer afford to pay them given that they were no longer making enough profit and operating costs had increased. This finding is shown in Fig.  5 . Nyoni ( 2019 ) agrees that loadshedding contributes to small businesses’ failure and closure because they cannot operate without stable internet (Nyoni, 2019 ). Zohuri and McDaniel ( 2019 ) and Politano ( 2019 ) endorse the fact that internet access is directly linked to having stable electricity. Emovon et al. ( 2018 ), Kumalo and Poll ( 2018 ), Sitharam and Hoque ( 2016 ), support the claim that SMEs suffered huge financial losses from the electricity crisis or loadshedding.

The quantity of the losses within small businesses in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality is revealed through descriptive statistics in Table 3 , which shows the difference between average income on a day without loadshedding and on a day with loadshedding. The results reveal that on a day without loadshedding, the small business received 99% of its average income, whereas on a day where there is loadshedding, the average income is 39%, which means that there is an estimated loss of 61% of income on a day of loadshedding. Studies by Ayandibu and Houghton ( 2017 ); Bruwer and Van Den Berg ( 2017 ); Kumalo and Poll ( 2018 ); Masama and Bruwer ( 2018 ) reveal that SMEs in South Africa have one of the worst sustainability rates in the world since approximately 75% of small and medium enterprises fail within three years of entering the market due to challenges such as power shortages. It can be concluded that loadshedding has a negative impact on the growth of small businesses.

Conclusion and recommendations

This study aimed to explore the effects of loadshedding on small and medium enterprises in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality. A mixed method was used to accomplish the mentioned study objective. Complexity and resource-based theories were used to underpin the study. The results of this study concur with the complexity theory that small businesses operate within complex internal and external systems and that a decision made in one component of the system affects the whole system. This study agrees with the theory by pointing out that loadshedding as implemented by Eskom has made the whole system of small businesses dysfunctional. As a result of loadshedding, raw materials are not supplied on time by suppliers, which causes a delay in the small business production process, which leads to a lack of trust and a decline in customer loyalty, which results in a loss of finances. As a result, small businesses are no longer able to play an effective role in addressing socio-economic challenges such as unemployment, poverty eradication, and inequality, preventing government policies from achieving their goals of economic development. Further, the results of this study support the resource-based theory by asserting that businesses use unique resources to remain competitive. It was discovered that small businesses in CCLM use unique technology equipment for production and marketing strategies, as well as human resources with varying skills and levels of innovative thinking, to be productive and remain competitive. Nevertheless, loadshedding has made it difficult for them to remain competitive because they have had to let go of some of their valuable resources. The results reveal that employees were retrenched due to failure to pay their salaries, and production machines were damaged. It can be concluded that loadshedding has a negative effect on SMEs' operations and their contribution to economic development. Further, the loss associated with the effects of loadshedding on SMEs’ production is untenable. As a result, collaboration among SMEs, the government, and the electricity sector is critical to ensuring the provision of sustainable electricity in the country and mitigating the effects of loadshedding on SMEs.

The study provides the following recommendations to SMEs, the Department of Energy, and policymakers:

An alternative source of power should be the requirement of small businesses in the Collins Chabane Municipality; therefore, the South African government should grant small businesses a subsidy for the purchase of alternatives such as strong generators and solar panels.

The South African government should encourage and capacitate small businesses in the Collins Chabane Local Municipality to participate in producing and supplying renewable energy by funding them. Further, cooperation among small businesses and companies that are successful in the production of renewable energy should be fostered. This will assist in adding electricity generation capacity to the national grid and help eliminate electricity instability.

The electricity provider should reduce electricity tariff rates for small businesses to make it affordable given that they are not compensated for their losses and that it is difficult to manage the increased operating costs of a business due to costs associated with replacing damaged products and equipment, loss of profit due to loadshedding, and expensive electricity at the same time.

Small businesses in the Collins Chabane municipality, especially restaurants, should opt for equipment that uses gas, such as gas stoves and fridges.

The government ought to give Collins Chabane Local Municipality the authority to generate its own electricity given that Eskom is the municipality's sole source of electricity.

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Not applicable.

Acknowledgements

I acknowledge the TUT ethical committee and the Collins Chabane Local Municipality for granting me permission and ethical clearance to conduct this study. I acknowledge the Department of International Relations and Cooperation for funding my main research project.

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Mkateko Vivian Mabunda

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Ricky Munyaradzi Mukonza & Lufuno Robert Mudzanani

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Mabunda, M.V., Mukonza, R.M. & Mudzanani, L.R. The effects of loadshedding on small and medium enterprises in the Collins Chabane local municipality. J Innov Entrep 12 , 57 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13731-023-00327-7

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Published : 09 September 2023

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1186/s13731-023-00327-7

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• Small and medium enterprise
• Electricity deficiency
• Loadshedding
• Municipality
• South Africa

Paragraph On Load Shedding | Causes & Impact & Soulution

Load shedding usually happens in the summer season in India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. Students can read and study this short and easy paragraph on load shedding.

Discontinuation of electricity supply for some time for a short or long period is called load shedding. Normally, load shedding is scheduled in advance, but most of the time, it happens without any warning when the transmission frequency falls below.

Table of Contents

Short And Long Paragraph On Load Shedding For Students

It has become a major problem and part of our daily lives. Nowadays, it causes interruptions in all circles of life. The electricity crisis literally paralyzes a country and makes the lives of its citizens a living hell. Load shedding in any country is due to the fact that there is a lack of management and foresight by the government of that country.

1. Impact Of

The shortage of electricity is damaging our industry, commerce, and agriculture. In mini industries, there is no alternative source of electricity, so when load shedding starts, these industries stop their work.

Factories are unable to provide enough production to meet the requirements of the market. To cope with this problem, industries that are working on a large scale use generators to run machinery. However, this raises the total cost of production.

Because of load shedding, it is impossible to do surgical operations in hospitals. Sometimes, power goes off during the operation, and it results in the loss of human life.

The area of education is also being vastly affected by the electricity crisis. Students especially suffer because of load shedding. Due to extensive hours of power shortage, they suffer a lot, especially in exam season , and cannot give proper time to their studies.

Most of the Pakistani economy depends on agriculture, but due to load shedding, tube wells and other machines cannot work. Because of this, a water problem occurs, which damages the crops.

2. Main Causes

There are many contributing factors behind load shedding, including:

1. The main cause of electricity is that most of the electricity is used illegally without paying any charges.

2. Our existing dams are losing their ability to store sufficient amounts of water for electricity generation.

3. The use of electricity increases in the summer because of the overuse of coolers, air conditioners, and refrigerators.

3. The entire nation suffers from indiscipline. People use as much electricity as possible. Lights are always “on” in malls, hotels, and streets, even during the night hours. This practice does not only increase power consumption but also generates maximum heat energy, which makes the environment uncomfortable.

3. Measures; how to Control Load Shedding

We can save a lot of energy by adopting some measures:

• More power stations should be established. District governments should be given suitable grants to set up their own power plants.
• More dams should be set up.
• The government should find alternate energy sources for electricity production. Public awareness about the importance of electricity is very important.
• The real solution lies in developing new hydroelectric projects.
• All malls should be closed early at night. Utilizing foreign aid to start large-scale projects should be done immediately to fulfill energy needs more easily.
• The government should take strict action against those who steal electricity.

4. Conclusion lines

In the presence of load shedding, progress is not possible in any country. That is why the elimination of load shedding is very important for the social, economic, and moral progress of a country.

3+ Short Paragraphs Essay About Load Shedding

1# – load shedding in pakistan.

Load shedding in Pakistan is a part of daily life in the country. This is because there are times when the power must be shut off to maintain the continuity of the supply of electricity. In some areas, this can happen multiple times each day. This can cause a number of problems for people who are using electrical appliances. Load shedding in Pakistan is a very common occurrence. It is one of the main reasons why certain parts of Pakistan have low reliability of power supply. There are also several issues with this that create challenges for people and businesses that depend on electricity for their livelihoods. Some of these challenges include disruptions to essential services such as hospitals and schools, as well as damage to equipment and property due to disruptions in power supply.

2# – Load shedding in summers

Load shedding in summer is a very common problem in India. This results in your house not getting enough electricity, which can cause several problems. The main one is that you won’t be able to keep your home cool or warm as much as you want. This will make you uncomfortable, and it could also cause health issues. So, make sure you know when load shedding occurs so that you can plan ahead.

In addition, load shedding during the summer months could result in people using more energy for air conditioning and other appliances. This means that someone else will have to pay for those extra bills. Therefore, it’s important to reduce demand whenever possible to avoid paying more than necessary for electricity.

Other ways to save energy during the summer include checking your thermostat to make sure it’s set at the right temperature and taking shorter showers. You could also invest in solar panels if you have the money available.

3# – For Class SSC Students

By Load, shedding is meant a sudden reduction of power supply to a grid. It is usually caused by an excess of generation capacity, which leads to an imbalance between supply and demand. The system attempts to correct the imbalance by decreasing the load on the grid, most commonly by turning off non-essential equipment. This is often done so that more power can be produced as soon as possible.

Load shedding happens when there is not enough power available in the grid to meet demand, which causes the electricity supply to be reduced temporarily. This can happen when there’s too much generation taking place or because of outages in transmission and distribution systems. It can cause problems for people using appliances and electronic devices, such as computers, mobile phones and televisions, but it also affects businesses that use large amounts of power for equipment such as factory automation and refrigeration systems.

Paragraph 4# – For Class 9th & 10th

Load shedding refers to the process of closing power plants or other power sources that can produce electricity when demand exceeds supply. A load-shedding strike is an intentional interruption in service due to a lack of supply, usually for short periods of time.

There are two major types of load shedding :

1. scheduled and unscheduled. Scheduled load shedding occurs when a set amount of electricity is removed from the available supply, usually during peak times. Unscheduled load shedding occurs when there is not enough electricity to meet demand at any given time. Both types result in reduced availability and may have negative consequences for the public.

2. Improving the reliability and efficiency of power generation could help reduce the need for load shedding strikes as well as mitigate their effects on public health and safety (especially where there are vulnerable populations). Encouraging more users to adopt smart devices can also help reduce demand by using less electricity.

Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

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Load Shedding: What Is It and Why Is It Affecting South Africa?

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The term ‘load shedding’ is right up there with South African slang like ‘bakkie’, ‘braai’ and ‘robot’ when it comes to eliciting strange looks from travellers. But what is it and why is it affecting South Africa? Unfortunately, unlike trucks (bakkies), barbecues (braais) and traffic lights (robots), load shedding is more likely to negatively affect your trip to South Africa. That’s because the term is little more than a euphemism for the country’s ongoing grapples with erratically-scheduled and unpredictable, nationwide rolling electricity blackouts.

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Blackouts started in 2007

The term ‘load shedding’ first started dominating the South African lexicon in 2007, when the country’s national electricity utility, Eskom, announced that it was unable to supply power to the entire country at the same time.

As a result, they announced they would need to implement a blackout schedule – that they dubbed ‘load shedding’ – in order to prevent the entire power grid from collapsing.

The hastily-organised plan to reduce the load on the country’s power grid was met with confusion, disorganisation, disdain, and an unusual sense of unity as the population rallied against a shared hatred.

At the time, experts warned that the country’s economy could suffer significantly due to the rolling blackouts, and Eskom announced that the blackouts would remain for at least the next “five to seven years”.

Poor management, incompetence, or corruption?

Many blamed poor management and incompetence within the organisation, although recent revelations suggest that it was primarily due to corruption and a massive ‘get-rich scheme’.

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Still, the country rallied – citizens who could afford them bought generators and gas stoves, most learnt to go back to the days of reading by candlelight or making polite conversation in front of blank televisions, and most heeded the government’s urgent calls – often during prime time news bulletins – to reduce power usage.

South Africa eventually emerged from the often two-hour, twice-daily blackouts, and managed to stage a successful football World Cup in spite of the electrical supply doomsayers. And for a few years, many thought the dark days of rolling power cuts were a thing of the past.

But just as load shedding was starting to fade from dinnertime conversations, it was catapulted back into national headlines. In 2012, Eskom announced that the likelihood of fresh power cuts was “ very high “, and would likely remain as such until at least 2017.

Power cuts here to stay

Fast-forward to 2019, well outside all of the initial predictions, and the country once again sits in a dire situation when it comes to nationwide electrical supply.

Much like those affected by Cape Town’s water crisis , many residents are now in a position to be at least somewhat self-sustainable for the periodic electricity-free life that hits the country several times a week.

Many commercial operations have installed automatic generators that kick in at the first indication of a power cut, and smaller home businesses rely on battery power and universal power supplies to keep their electronics running without relying on the grid.

The impact of load shedding is more than just a minor inconvenience, though. Experts warn that the blackouts will cost the country millions, and that there is now no real indication as to when the problem will be resolved.

What this means for you

Although residents are now well-versed on how to handle the blackouts, many visitors to South Africa are left confused by the concept and how it will affect them.

Unlike the early days of load shedding, most cities now have plans in place to alert residents of imminent power cuts and load shedding schedules – although these are often confusing and not adhered to.

Load shedding typically occurs in two-hour blocks, and at its worst this will likely be twice daily. If you’re staying in a hotel, staff there should be aware of the schedule and be able to inform you accordingly.

Alternatively, you can also check the latest status on the Eskom website , or your local city’s social media pages.

Fortunately, as a visitor to South Africa, it’s unlikely your day-to-day activities will be significantly impacted, and load shedding is no reason to cancel a holiday to the country.

Most businesses in the tourism industry, from restaurants and hotels to shopping malls and wine estates, have measures in place to counteract the impact of the power cuts, to the point that you may not even notice the disruption.

The same goes for hospitals and other essential services – all have contingency plans in place and many national key points are excluded from the cuts altogether.

The one factor that visitors, residents and business can’t ignore, however, is traffic. If you need catch a flight in the upcoming days, it may be prudent to check the load shedding schedules to ensure you avoid the inevitable traffic the blackouts will cause.

Still, certain power-hungry businesses like malls and restaurants might need to cease operation for a few hours while you’re in the country, in which case you will have little option but to unplug for a few hours and head outdoors. But, as a visitor to South Africa, that is not a particularly bad prospect in itself.

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Electricity Load Shedding - Free Essay Examples and Topic Ideas

Electricity load shedding is the deliberate and temporary reduction of electricity supply to certain areas or regions. It is carried out by power utilities in response to a high demand for electricity that exceeds available supply. During load shedding, certain areas may experience power outages for a period of time until the demand for electricity decreases to a level that can be met by available supply. Load shedding is a common practice in many countries and is used as a means to prevent a total blackout in the event of an energy crisis.

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• Tripping in electricity supply
• What is Electricity Load Shedding?
• The History of Electricity Load Shedding
• The Causes of Electricity Load Shedding
• The Consequences of Electricity Load Shedding
• How to Prepare for Electricity Load Shedding
• How to Minimize the Impact of Electricity Load Shedding
• How to cope with Electricity Load Shedding
• The Pros and Cons of Electricity Load Shedding
• The Benefits of Electricity Load Shedding
• The Drawbacks of Electricity Load Shedding
• Is Electricity Load Shedding Effective?
• How long will Electricity Load Shedding Last?
• What are the Alternatives to Electricity Load Shedding?
• The Impact of Electricity Load Shedding
• The Solutions to Electricity Load Shedding
• The Government’s Response to Electricity Load Shedding
• The Private Sector’s Response to Electricity Load Shedding
• The International Community’s Response to Electricity Load Shedding
• The Way Forward

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Load Shedding Essay & Paragraph

Here is a bunch of essays, compositions and paragraphs on load shedding. What is load shedding, why it occurs, what is its disadvantages and ways to solve the problem of load shedding are discussed. The post contains: Load Shedding Essay for SSC, Load Shedding Essay for HSC, Load Shedding Paragraph for Class 6, Load Shedding Paragraph for Class 7, Load Shedding Paragraph in 100 Words and Load Shedding Composition in 300 Words.

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Table of Contents

Load Shedding Essay for SSC

By: Haque | Words: 400

Load shedding is a practice used by power companies to manage the demand for electricity by temporarily shutting off power to certain areas. This is done to prevent widespread blackouts and protect the stability of the power grid. The causes of load shedding can include a lack of generating capacity, high demand, and problems with the transmission and distribution of power. In developing countries, load shedding is often caused by a lack of investment in infrastructure and a reliance on fossil fuels. In developed countries, load shedding can be caused by extreme weather events or equipment failures.

Load shedding can have serious consequences for individuals, businesses, and entire communities. It can disrupt essential services such as hospitals and water supply, damage equipment, and cause financial losses. It can also have an impact on public safety and security. The measures to reduce or eliminate load shedding include increasing generating capacity through new power plants or renewable energy sources, implementing demand-side management programs to reduce peak demand, and upgrading the transmission and distribution infrastructure. Additionally, governments can also invest in regional power trade agreements to import power from other countries during shortage.

Investment in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power can also help reduce load shedding as they are more sustainable and less vulnerable to fuel shortages. Furthermore, Energy efficiency measures such as energy-efficient appliances and buildings can also help to reduce the overall demand for electricity and reduce the need for load shedding. For example, using LED light bulbs instead of traditional incandescent bulbs can save a significant amount of energy.

On the other hand, governments can also implement policies to encourage the use of electric vehicles, which can reduce the demand for gasoline and oil, and also decrease the emissions of greenhouse gases. Additionally, implementing smart grid technology can help in reducing the load shedding by balancing the demand and supply of electricity in real-time.

In conclusion, load shedding is a serious problem that affects people and businesses around the world. It can cause significant economic and social disruption, and effective solutions must be implemented to address the underlying causes. This includes increasing generating capacity, implementing demand-side management programs, upgrading transmission and distribution infrastructure, and investing in renewable energy sources. Governments and power companies must work together to minimize load shedding and ensure a stable and reliable power supply for all.

Load Shedding Essay for HSC

By: Haque | Words: 500

Introduction: Load shedding is a big problem in Bangladesh. The magnitude of load shedding has intensified continuously over the recent years. Load shedding occurs when the demand for electricity exceeds the supply.

What it is: According to the electric term load-shedding is to withdraw electric supply from one place in order to distribute to other areas as per a rotational chart.

Reasons behind Load Shedding: There are some reasons that are responsible for this problem of load shedding. They are described below:

• The population of Bangladesh is increasing at a very high rate. With the population, the demand for electricity is also increasing. Production of electricity is increasing at a much slower rate. As a result load shedding is increasing day by day.
• Due to the inefficiency of the PDB (Power Development Board), old power plants, turbines, and power lines have not been replaced duly. As a result the power distribution system often breaks down and causes power shortages.
• Sometimes lack of enough rain causes the water level of the Kaptai Hydro-Electric Project to go down the required level making it impossible for the turbines to operate. Thus shortage in the production of electricity occurs.
• Due to the corruption in the Power Development Board, some of the power plants have been set up with low qualities machinery. Those power plants often go out of order and need repairing regularly. It often causes power shortages.
• The wastage of electricity for extravagant lighting for unproductive and unnecessary causes such as marriage ceremonies , markets, and on different occasions is also responsible for load-shedding.
• Some of the officials of PDB are engaged in corrupt procedures such as issuing forged bills in collusion with the customers showing less than actual consumption it is called system loss. Such practices encourage wastage and cause power shortages.
• It may also be said that we are not parsimonious in the consumption of electricity. In many houses, electric devices such as lights, fans, TVs, air-conditioners, etc. are kept on unnecessarily. Such practices are also responsible for load shedding.

Bad Effects: Load shedding causes untold miseries for people, especially those who live in towns. In villages, its effects are also terrible when farmers cannot irrigate their land with pump machines or the production process has to stop due to load shedding. In houses, students are badly affected by a want for electricity supply. They cannot study properly without electric lights and fans. Weak and elderly people also suffer in hot weather. In hospitals, emergency operations cannot be performed for want of electricity. In fact, the overall economy of the country suffers the most due to the shortage of electricity. Production in all big mills and factories is fully dependent on electricity. When the electric supply is cut, such concerns cannot operate and they cannot attain their target of production.

Conclusion: Load shedding causes us great problems. It is also the cause of a huge wastage of our resources. So it is necessary to remove the problems and set up new power plants for increasing the production of electricity.

Load Shedding Paragraph for Class 6

By: Haque | Words: 170

Write a paragraph about Load-shedding. Mention its causes, especially bad effects and the way of solving the problem.

Nowadays load-shedding is a regular affair in cities and towns. It means the suspension of electricity for the time being. Load-shedding occurs mainly in big cities and in industrial areas. The causes of load-shedding are many. There is a shortage of power supply in proportion to our needs. With the increase in population , the number of homes and buildings has increased. More mills and factories are set up in the country. But the supply of power has not increased. As a result, load-shedding occurs frequently. The illegal connection of electricity is also responsible for this. Load-shedding paralyzes city life and hampers production in mills and factories. Crimes and antisocial activities happen during the load-shedding period. The cities and towns plunged into darkness due to power disruption at night. The students , patients in the hospital, and businessmen are the worst suffers from load-shedding. Electric goods are damaged due to erratic power supply. In short, people experience great difficulties due to load-shedding. They should be economical in the use of electricity.

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Load Shedding Paragraph for Class 7

By: Haque | Words: 180

Power failure in Bangladesh is a common thing. This failure of Power has made our life unbearable to some extent. Power failure is also known as load shedding. Now write a paragraph on load shedding giving a short description to the causes of it and measures to get rid of this power failure.

Load shedding is a process adopted by the electric authority to shed the load of electricity. The authority does it when there is a lack of sufficient electricity. Load shedding is a burning question in Bangladesh . The production of electricity cannot meet the demand of the present use of electricity. The rural electrification project has ended in smoke for the lack of supply. For the want of production, the supply of electricity in some areas is cut down for a certain period. Urban life stands still for that period which incurs a heavy loss. The total need for electricity in Bangladesh at present is more than 2300 MW. The highest load shedding so far recorded is 500 MW. In the modern social system, electricity is the life of the economy of a country. At present Kaptai Hydroelectricity project produces 230 MW of electricity. So, we can utilize our water and gas resources to be free from the curse of load shedding. The time has come to plan a way out for the smooth progress of the country.

Load Shedding Paragraph, 100 Words

Write a paragraph explaining what load shedding is, why it occurs and how to remedy it.

Load shedding is a measure used by power companies to manage the demand for electricity by temporarily shutting off power to certain areas. This is done to prevent widespread blackouts and protect the stability of the power grid. The causes of load shedding can include a lack of generating capacity, high demand, and problems with the transmission and distribution of power. Measures to reduce or eliminate load shedding include increasing generating capacity through new power plants or renewable energy sources, implementing demand-side management programs to reduce peak demand, and upgrading the transmission and distribution infrastructure. Additionally, governments can also invest in regional power trade agreements to import power from other countries during shortage.

Load Shedding Composition, 300 Words

Investment in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power can also help reduce load shedding as they are more sustainable and less vulnerable to fuel shortages. Furthermore, Energy efficiency measures such as energy-efficient appliances and buildings can also help to reduce the overall demand for electricity and reduce the need for load shedding.

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Essay on Load Shedding Conundrum 200 & 500 Words for Students

Load shedding is a serious issue that affects the lives of millions of Pakistanis. It disrupts the normal functioning of various sectors such as education, health , industry, and agriculture. It also causes environmental and economic problems such as pollution , wastage of resources, loss of productivity, and increased dependence on imported fuel. 

Essay on Load Shedding – 500 Words

Therefore, it is important to raise awareness about the causes and consequences of load shedding and to find sustainable solutions to overcome this challenge.

Pakistan has a big problem with electricity. There is not enough electricity for everyone, so sometimes there is no power for many hours. This makes it very hard for people to live and work. The electricity problem is very bad and needs to be solved soon.

How People Suffer from No Power The electricity problem in Pakistan is getting worse. Some people have no power for 14 hours every day. This means they cannot do many things that need electricity, like using lights, fans, computers, or phones. They cannot work, study, or have fun. They also have trouble getting good health care, because hospitals and clinics need electricity too.

Why There is No Power Pakistan does not have enough electricity for all the people. The demand for electricity is much higher than the supply. The system that makes and sends electricity is not good enough. It loses a lot of electricity and does not work well. The government also owes a lot of money to the electricity companies, so they cannot make more electricity.

How the Economy is Affected The electricity problem is very bad for the economy. Many businesses lose money because they cannot work without power. Many students cannot learn well because they cannot study without light. Many people cannot get good health care because the hospitals and clinics do not have power. The electricity problem makes the economy weaker and poorer.

What the Government is Doing The electricity problem has many causes. The government is trying to fix it by doing different things. For example, it is using more solar and wind power, which are clean and cheap. It is also making the electricity system better and stronger. It is also asking other countries to help and invest in the electricity sector. But the problem is very big and hard, so it needs more time and effort.

How the People are Feeling The people of Pakistan are very angry and sad about the electricity problem. They are protesting and asking the government to solve it quickly. They want to have power all the time and live a normal life. They want the government to do more and better to end the electricity problem.

Essay on Load Shedding – 200 Words

Load-shedding causes an unnecessary amount of stress and frustration for Pakistan. It’s time for us to work together to create solutions!

Because of the high electricity demand, blackouts often occur. However, British electric companies are prepared to prevent blackouts by using load-shedding.

Load shedding is a necessary evil. When our energy systems cannot meet the growing demand in peak periods, we experience power cuts.

There’s no doubt that electricity is a necessity. But, unfortunately, most countries don’t have enough production capacity to meet the demands of their populations. There is nowhere to go on the weekend because everything is closed because of this problem. People can’t work due to lack of electricity because they must leave work when their embassy closes because of this problem. We need a solution to this problem now.

Load-shedding should be an unacceptable event. It is possible to avoid load shedding, however, if reforms to the power sector take place. Load Shedding is an absolute pain for your customers. However, your experience ensures total reliability.

One of Pakistan’s biggest challenges in energy is security of supply. Rural areas are the most severely affected. 

In conclusion, the current situation has resulted in enormous losses for the economy. Even such drastic measures as protests and strikes have not helped improve the situation.

• Q: What is the reason for load shedding in Pakistan?
• A: Load shedding is happening because there is not enough electricity to meet the demand of the people. The electricity supply is 21,500 megawatts, while the demand is 27,000 megawatts.
• Q: How long is the load shedding in Pakistan?
• A: The load shedding is between six to eight hours per day. This means that people have to face power outages for a long time every day.
• Q: What are the sources of electricity in Pakistan?
• A: The electricity in Pakistan comes from different sources, such as hydel, thermal, nuclear, wind, solar, and biomass. Hydel power is the largest source, followed by thermal and nuclear power.
• Q: How much electricity does each source produce?
• A: Hydel power produces 6,373 megawatts, thermal power produces 772 megawatts, nuclear power produces 3,535 megawatts, wind power produces 576 megawatts, solar power produces 115 megawatts, and biomass produces 136 megawatts.
• Q: What is the cheapest source of electricity in Pakistan?
• A: The cheapest source of electricity in Pakistan is solar power, which costs around Rs 6 per kWh. Solar power is also clean and renewable, which means it does not harm the environment or run out.
• Q: What is the most expensive source of electricity in Pakistan?
• A: The most expensive source of electricity in Pakistan is thermal power, which costs around Rs 18 per kWh. Thermal power is also polluting and depends on fossil fuels, which are harmful and scarce.
• Q: What is the average price of electricity in Pakistan?
• A: The average price of electricity in Pakistan is around Rs 50 per kWh. This is very high compared to other countries, and makes it hard for people to afford their electricity bills.
• Q: How much do people spend on electricity in Pakistan?
• A: People spend a lot of money on electricity in Pakistan. Electricity bills are usually the third biggest expense for the average household, after food and transport. Some households spend up to 50% of their monthly income on electricity.
• Q: How does load shedding affect the economy of Pakistan?
• A: Load shedding affects the economy of Pakistan in a negative way. It causes financial losses for businesses, difficulties for students, and problems for health care. It also makes the economy weaker and poorer.
• Q: How do people protest against load shedding in Pakistan?
• A: People protest against load shedding in Pakistan by coming out on the streets and demanding solutions from the government. They are angry and sad about the electricity problem and want to have power all the time.

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Sana Mursleen is a student studying English Literature at Lahore Garrison University (LGU). With her love for writing and humor, she writes essays for Top Study World. Sana is an avid reader and has a passion for history, politics, and social issues.

Wednesday 11 September 2024 | 6:57 am

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Load shedding, environmental risk, and the net zero ambitions: South Africa’s energy dilemma

• January 3, 2023

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Picture: REUTERS/Mike Hutchings – Pylons carry electricity from South African power utility Eskom’s Koeberg nuclear plant near Cape Town, in this picture taken November 28, 2015.

By Ndzalama Cleopatra Mathebula

Eskom’s woes have been immensely felt throughout the country recently, from prompting businesses to seek energy alternatives to rising unregulated prices and damaging household appliances. Undoubtedly the trajectory of the power utility has presented shortcomings that are unsalvageable. Looking at the current poor condition of Eskom, the persistent load shedding, and the current global consensus on combating climate change, the latter deems load shedding rational.

There is reason to believe that load shedding is not only a technical problem or a management challenge but an indicator of global dialogue on climate change. Dating back to 2007, when load shedding started, and 15 years later, the challenge is not only pronounced an energy catastrophe but also qualifies as a risk that costs South Africa’s economy an estimated 4 billion per day on stage six load shedding; six hours without electricity per day. 2019 first quarter displayed the impact of load-shedding when it reduced the GDP to 3.2%, costing the economy an additional 500 million a day in lost activity. Consequently, the lost economic activity also reads as job shedding in the sluggish economy trying to recover from the COVID pandemic herein; load shedding further instigates the mounting challenges of the country’s battles.

Undoubtedly corruption and debt accumulated by the power utility are the main reasons for the load shedding, together with poor maintenance and decayed power plants. At the same time, the debt weighs heavily on the country’s already constrained fiscus, which brings us to whether Eskom is worth saving.

From a South African economic position, saving Eskom comes with avoiding significant economic fallout that risks many jobs the economy cannot afford. At the same time, a total shutdown of the utility threatens a total blackout and an impossible condition to do business and drives away significant investment. However, reading the current environmental risk climate, saving Eskom is a risk multiplier.

This argument is authenticated by a recently published report by S&P global noting the top five country risk states should be aware of in 2023; amongst those risks, energy trade-offs came in second place, stating that 2023 fiscal priorities should be aimed at accelerating green energy transitions globally.

Herein, geopolitics landscapes and combating climate change should be par, which points to policy and practice amendments at a country level. South Africa is not exempted from these climate aspirations due to its commitment to the Paris Climate Agreement and the need to curb Eskom’s carbon emissions.

Mainly because of South Africa’s COP27 commitments aimed at informing a rapid change in South Africa’s energy economy and the aim to reach net zero emissions by 2050 through a Just Transition. The responsibility should mirror practical and measurable strides that complement this net zero ambition for the greater good of energy and food security and towards combating climate change, considering what happened in the KZN province early last year.

However, there is a greater risk provided that the country’s COP27 and climate change aspirations remain a document without any implementation. The reluctant energy transition risks losing a 1.5 trillion Just Energy Transition investment, presented by President Cyril Ramaphosa at COP27, endorsed by the International Partners Group. Along with a just transition partnership between South Africa, the European Union, The United States of America, The United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

Reluctance to rapidly implement the green transition further risks, South Africa, losing an estimated 50% of its export value as a trading partner since trade commerce should reflect each country’s green energy transition commitments. At the same time, China has declared not to fund new coal-fired power plants beyond its country’s premises. Moreover, the European Union pledges to impose significant tariffs on imports from high carbon markets or countries within the European territories while banning sales of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035.

Interestingly it is good to know that South Africa is taking all necessary strides to reduce its carbon emissions. As the world achieved a reduction in carbon intensity of 0.5% in 2021, South Africa saw a decline higher than the global average of 4.6% in 2021. This is attributed to the real GDP growth of 4.9, being more significant than the 0.1 growth from energy-related emissions. However, the main reason stems from the decline in hydrocarbon-based fuels and an increase in the use of renewables. This push into high renewable usage is credited to the high persistent load shedding during 2021, where Eskom shed 2 521 GW hours, while in 2022, there was a carbon shade average of 626 GW hours per month in the first nine months of 2022.

From the evidence provided above, it can be deduced that load shedding is a prominent way Eskom can reduce its carbon emissions since Eskom has been exempting carbon compliance for several years. Eskom has struggled with air pollution standards compliance, where they have been postponing instead. Eskom is already amongst the worst polluters in the world, with 471.6 million matrix tons of carbon emitted in 2019.

In 2021 however, Dr Thuli Khumalo, the chief operations officer of the Presidential Climate Commission, rejected Eskom’s application to postpone compliance with the Minimum Emission Standards (MES) for all Eskom’s power plants. The MES was first published in 2010, a decade later, and the entity is still applying for exemption due to the failure to comply. Load shedding has been the only practical way Eskom can reduce its carbon footprint.

In establishing the nexus between Eskom, energy risk, and the global climate change consensus, it is safe to say that load shedding is a risk for South Africa’s economy. Nonetheless, its persistence does highlight two directives needed in the country’s economy. Persistent load shedding equates to job sheds but also carbon emission sheds. Thus, constant load shedding pushes the country to embrace a just energy transition.

The second directive is that of decentralizing the energy market of South Africa. Loadshedding can accelerate the Electricity Regulation Act of 2006, chapter 3’s amendments on electricity licensing. This amendment will decentralize the energy monopoly and establish a healthy competitive energy market in the country since this act states that no person may produce electricity without a license issued by the regulator. However, due to the failure of the utility to produce enough electricity for the whole country, there is a need to bring in private investors and have everyone that can produce electricity do so.

Conclusively, the betterment of Eskom is a direct contradiction of South Africa’s net zero commitment that comes with significant carbon sanctions in terms of trade and investment. This is not to say that load shedding is deliberate; however, saving it comes with a high cost that pronounces the shortcoming of South Africa’s already sluggish economy. On the other hand, persistent load-shedding point to two directives that embraces a just energy transition and the decentralization of the oligopolistic energy market oaf South Africa.

Mathebula is an MA candidate from the Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Johannesburg.

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Articles on loadshedding

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South Africa’s power crisis will continue until 2025 - and blackouts will take 5 years to phase out

South Africa’s power blackouts: solutions lie in solar farms and battery storage at scale, and an end to state monopoly

David Richard Walwyn , University of Pretoria

Corruption in South Africa: former CEO’s explosive book exposes how state power utility was destroyed

South Africa’s cold weather has arrived – some tips on how to stay warm and safe

Adriaan Van Der Walt , University of the Free State ; Jennifer Fitchett , University of the Witwatersrand , and Sarah Roffe , Agricultural Research Council

Farmers in South Africa face power cuts and a weak rand - but a number of factors are working in their favour too

Wandile Sihlobo , Stellenbosch University

Power cuts and food safety: how to avoid illness during loadshedding 

Lise Korsten , University of Pretoria

South Africans are fed up with their prospects, and their democracy, according to latest social attitudes survey

Joleen Steyn Kotze , University of the Free State and Benjamin Roberts , Human Sciences Research Council

Peter Hain: Neil Aggett died fighting apartheid – South Africa’s rulers have betrayed the struggle

Peter Hain , University of the Witwatersrand

Power cuts: South Africa’s state of disaster is being contested in court - COVID rulings give clues as to the outcome

Tracy-Lynn Field , University of the Witwatersrand

South Africa’s power crisis: going off the grid works for the wealthy – but could deepen injustice for the poor

Christina Culwick Fatti , Gauteng City-Region Observatory and Samkelisiwe Khanyile , Gauteng City-Region Observatory

Home power backup systems – electrical engineers answer your questions

MJ (Thinus) Booysen , Stellenbosch University and Arnold Rix , Stellenbosch University

Robberies surge as criminals take advantage of South Africa’s power outages

Guy Lamb , Stellenbosch University

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English Essay on “Load Shedding” English Essay-Paragraph-Speech for Class 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 CBSE Students and competitive Examination.

Load Shedding

Load-shedding has become very common in all big cities. It is so frequent these days that it is regarded to be a great nuisance. Sometimes, its timings are announced but many a time, the power is off all of a sudden in such situations; many tasks at hand are left undone. It has been experienced that the preparing chapattis or when an interesting programme is running on the television. Load-shedding effects the studies of children. It causes much loss during the examinations. Load-shedding has also effected industrial production. Enormous loss is thus caused to the country. It is high time that proper attention is paid to ensure regular supply of electricity.

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‘Getting out of the dark’: Implications of load shedding on healthcare in South Africa and strategies to enhance preparedness

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Academic literature on the topic 'Load shedding'

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Journal articles on the topic "Load shedding"

Sharma, Itika, and Shavet Sharma. "Load Shedding Management." International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development Volume-2, Issue-5 (August 31, 2018): 2391–94. http://dx.doi.org/10.31142/ijtsrd18364.

Shokooh, Farrokh, J. J. Dai, Shervin Shokooh, Jacques Tastet, Hugo Castro, Tanuj Khandelwal, and Gary Donner. "Intelligent Load Shedding." IEEE Industry Applications Magazine 17, no. 2 (March 2011): 44–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/mias.2010.939814.

Alkaldy, Esam A. Hashim, Maythem A. Albaqir, and Maryam Sadat Akhavan Hejazi. "A new load forecasting model considering planned load shedding effect." International Journal of Energy Sector Management 13, no. 1 (April 1, 2019): 149–65. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ijesm-03-2018-0008.

Quyen, Huy Anh, Tan Phung Trieu, Trong Nghia Le, Thai An Nguyen, and Thi Ngoc Thuong Huynh. "Load Shedding in Microgrid System with Combination of AHP Algorithm and Hybrid ANN-ACO Algorithm." International Journal of Applied Science 5, no. 1 (January 29, 2022): p1. http://dx.doi.org/10.30560/ijas.v5n1p1.

Jethwa, U. K., R. K. Bansal, N. Date, and R. Vaishnav. "Comprehensive Load-Shedding System." IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications 46, no. 2 (2010): 740–49. http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/tia.2010.2041078.

Otomega, Bogdan, Mevludin Glavic, and Thierry Van Cutsem. "Distributed Undervoltage Load Shedding." IEEE Transactions on Power Systems 22, no. 4 (November 2007): 2283–84. http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/tpwrs.2007.907589.

Nirenberg, S. A., D. A. McInnis, and K. D. Sparks. "Fast acting load shedding." IEEE Transactions on Power Systems 7, no. 2 (May 1992): 873–77. http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/59.141798.

Abhiraj, T. K. "Sensitivity based Load Shedding Strategy for Avoiding Voltage Instability." International journal of Emerging Trends in Science and Technology 04, no. 04 (April 8, 2017): 5056–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.18535/ijetst/v4i4.02.

Al-Sadooni, Hussein Hadi Abdul-Wahid, and Rashid Hamid Al-Rubayi. "Combinational load shedding using load frequency control and voltage stability indicator." International Journal of Electrical and Computer Engineering (IJECE) 12, no. 5 (October 1, 2022): 4661. http://dx.doi.org/10.11591/ijece.v12i5.pp4661-4671.

Sarwar, Sohail, Hazlie Mokhlis, Mohamadariff Othman, Munir Azam Muhammad, J. A. Laghari, Nurulafiqah Nadzirah Mansor, Hasmaini Mohamad, and Alireza Pourdaryaei. "A Mixed Integer Linear Programming Based Load Shedding Technique for Improving the Sustainability of Islanded Distribution Systems." Sustainability 12, no. 15 (August 3, 2020): 6234. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su12156234.

Dissertations / Theses on the topic "Load shedding"

Barlet, Ros Pere. "Load shedding in network monitoring applications." Doctoral thesis, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10803/31780.

Joshi, Poonam M. "Load shedding algorithm using voltage and frequency data." Connect to this title online, 2007. http://etd.lib.clemson.edu/documents/1202498705/.

Ojeda, Alejandro P. "A load shedding scheme for inverter based microgrids." Thesis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/66450.

Wei, Mingzhu. "Continuously Providing Approximate Results under Limited Resources: Load Shedding and Spilling in XML Streams." Digital WPI, 2011. https://digitalcommons.wpi.edu/etd-dissertations/425.

Veda, Santosh Sambamoorthy. "WAMS-based Intelligent Load Shedding Scheme for Preventing Cascading Blackouts." Diss., Virginia Tech, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/19251.

LISBOA, MARIA LUIZA VIANA. "LOAD SHEDDING AS AN OPTION FOR OVERLOAD ALLEVIATION: A COMPUTATIONAL APPROACH." PONTIFÍCIA UNIVERSIDADE CATÓLICA DO RIO DE JANEIRO, 1988. http://www.maxwell.vrac.puc-rio.br/Busca_etds.php?strSecao=resultado&nrSeq=14025@1.

El-Banhawy, M. H. "New Adaptive Load Shedding Scheme for the Abu Dhabi power system (UAE)." Thesis, City University London, 1988. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.383986.

Balachandran, Nandu. "Utilization of Distributed Generation in Power System Peak Hour Load Shedding Reduction." ScholarWorks@UNO, 2016. http://scholarworks.uno.edu/td/2124.

Rakotonirainy, Rosephine Georgina. "Decision support for the production and distribution of electricity under load shedding." Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/20942.

Goldberg, Ariel. "The economic impact of load shedding : the case of South African retailers." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/52398.

Books on the topic "Load shedding"

Load shedding: Writing on and over the edge of South Africa . Johannesburg: Jonathan Ball, 2009.

M, O'Farrell J., and United States. National Aeronautics and Space Administration., eds. High frequency flow/structural interaction in dense subsonic fluids . [Huntsville, Ala.]: Rockwell Aerospace, Space Systems Division, Huntsville Operations, 1994.

M, O'Farrell J., and George C. Marshall Space Flight Center., eds. High frequency flow/structural interaction in dense subsonic fluids . Marshall Space Flight Center, Ala: National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Marshall Space Flight Center, 1995.

Data Stream Load Shedding - Dynamically Managing Channel Capacity . VDM Verlag Dr. Mueller e.K., 2008.

Liz, McGregor, and Nuttal Sarah. Load Shedding: Writing on and over the Edge of South Africa . Ball Publishers, Jonathan, 2013.

Chakravarthy, Sharma, and Qingchun Jiang. Stream Data Processing - A Quality of Service Perspective: Modeling, Scheduling, Load Shedding, and Complex Event Processing . Springer, 2010.

Timilsina, Govinda, Prakash Sapkota, and Jevgenijs Steinbuks. How Much Has Nepal Lost in the Last Decade Due to Load Shedding? An Economic Assessment Using a CGE Model . World Bank, Washington, DC, 2018. http://dx.doi.org/10.1596/1813-9450-8468.

Chakravarthy, Sharma, and Qingchun Jiang. Stream Data Processing: A Quality of Service Perspective: Modeling, Scheduling, Load Shedding, and Complex Event Processing (Advances in Database Systems Book 36) . Springer, 2009.

Elizabeth, Megan. A Spiritual Journey: Shedding the Light of the Lord Through Poetry . Tate Publishing & Enterprises, 2007.

Book chapters on the topic "Load shedding"

Tatbul, Nesime. "Load Shedding." In Encyclopedia of Database Systems , 1–5. New York, NY: Springer New York, 2016. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-7993-3_211-2.

Tatbul, Nesime. "Load Shedding." In Encyclopedia of Database Systems , 1632–36. Boston, MA: Springer US, 2009. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-39940-9_211.

Tatbul, Nesime. "Load Shedding." In Encyclopedia of Database Systems , 2111–16. New York, NY: Springer New York, 2018. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8265-9_211.

Dedovic Muftic, Maja, Nedis Dautbasic, Ajdin Alihodzic, Adin Memic, and Adnan Mujezinovic. "Under Frequency Load Shedding Considering Load Prioritization." In Advanced Technologies, Systems, and Applications VII , 317–27. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2022. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-17697-5_26.

Chuvychin, Vladimir, Antans Sauhats, Vadims Strelkovs, and Eduards Antonovs. "Under-Frequency Load Shedding System." In Monitoring, Control and Protection of Interconnected Power Systems , 349–67. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2014. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-53848-3_18.

Bambaravanage, Tharangika, Asanka Rodrigo, and Sisil Kumarawadu. "Designing the Load Shedding Scheme." In Power Systems , 97–120. Singapore: Springer Singapore, 2017. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-4910-1_4.

Ali, Sarwan, Haris Mansoor, Imdadullah Khan, Naveed Arshad, Safiullah Faizullah, and Muhammad Asad Khan. "Fair Allocation Based Soft Load Shedding." In Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing , 407–24. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2020. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-55187-2_32.

Bolhasan, Amin Mokari, Navid Taghizadegan Kalantari, and Sajad Najafi Ravadanegh. "Load Shedding, Emergency and Local Control." In Power Systems , 447–62. Cham: Springer International Publishing, 2019. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-23723-3_18.

Han, Donghong, Chuan Xiao, Rui Zhou, Guoren Wang, Huan Huo, and Xiaoyun Hui. "Load Shedding for Window Joins over Streams." In Advances in Web-Age Information Management , 472–83. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer Berlin Heidelberg, 2006. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/11775300_40.

Chakravarthy, Sharma, and Qingchun Jiang. "LOAD SHEDDING IN DATA STREAM MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS." In Stream Data Processing: A Quality of Service Perspective , 137–66. Boston, MA: Springer US, 2009. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-71003-7_7.

Conference papers on the topic "Load shedding"

Mozina, Charles J. "Undervoltage Load Shedding." In 2007 60th Annual Conference for Protective Relay Engineers . IEEE, 2007. http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/cpre.2007.359889.

Mozina, Charles. "Undervoltage load shedding." In 2007 Power Systems Conference: Advanced Metering, Protection, Control, Communication, and Distributed Resources . IEEE, 2007. http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/psamp.2007.4740897.

Hajimohamadi, Neda, and Hassan Bevrani. "Load shedding in microgrids." In 2013 21st Iranian Conference on Electrical Engineering (ICEE) . IEEE, 2013. http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/iraniancee.2013.6599531.

Petrichenko, R., and V. Chuvychin. "Smart load shedding system." In 2012 3rd IEEE International Symposium on Power Electronics for Distributed Generation Systems (PEDG) . IEEE, 2012. http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/pedg.2012.6253981.

Ashar, P. C., B. I. Wallner, J. S. Hill, and A. Q. Quang. "Integrated Load Shedding Project." In 1987 The Ninth International Telecommunications Energy Conference . IEEE, 1987. http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/intlec.1987.4794546.

Moodliar, Leshan, and Innocent E. Davidson. "Load Shedding to Load Hedging - Evaluating Load Shedding Mitigation Options for Residential Customers within eThekwini Municipality." In 2023 31st Southern African Universities Power Engineering Conference (SAUPEC) . IEEE, 2023. http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/saupec57889.2023.10057880.

Wang, Zhiqiang, Lei Guo, Kan Wu, Wenxia Liu, and Jinghong Zhou. "Minimum load-shedding calculation approach considering loads difference." In 2014 IEEE Innovative Smart Grid Technologies - Asia (ISGT ASIA) . IEEE, 2014. http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/isgt-asia.2014.6873815.

Tikdari, A. G., H. Bevrani, M. Rashidi-Nejad, and M. Montazeri. "Locational Load Shedding Marginal Pricing." In 2015 23rd Iranian Conference on Electrical Engineering (ICEE) . IEEE, 2015. http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/iraniancee.2015.7146461.

Wester, Craig, Terrence Smith, Jacobus Theron, and David McGinn. "Developments in fast load shedding." In 2014 67th Annual Conference for Protective Relay Engineers . IEEE, 2014. http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/cpre.2014.6799042.

Gooden, Gregory, Niki Pissinou, Charles A. Kamhoua, and Kevin A. Kwiat. "Load shedding using bargaining games." In 2014 IEEE/PES Transmission & Distribution Conference & Exposition (T&D) . IEEE, 2014. http://dx.doi.org/10.1109/tdc.2014.6863482.

51 Natural Gas Essay Topics

🏆 best essay topics on natural gas, 🎓 most interesting natural gas research titles, 💡 simple natural gas essay ideas.

• Macropoland, a Natural Gas Country
• Natural Gas and Its Economic Aspects
• Natural Gas in the Global Market Analysis
• Oil and Natural Gas Industry and Its Effect on the European Economy
• Natural Gas and LNG Market Prices
• Natural Gas Substitution in the United States
• Natural Gas: Composition, Formation, Location, and Use
• Natural Gas as the World’s Most Preferred Fossil Fuel
• Strategic Shipping Operations Management: Liquefied Natural Gas
• Floating Liquefied Natural Gas’ Modifications
• Natural Gas: Separating the Myths and Realities
• The Benefits of Using Natural Gas and Its Impact on the Environment
• Natural Gas Prices, Analytics and Forecasts
• The Future of Natural Gas in a Renewable World
• Net-Zero’s Bridge Fuel: Natural Gas’s Critical Role in Transition
• Impact Analysis of U.S. Natural Gas Exports on Domestic Natural Gas Pricing
• Natural Gas in the Transition to Low-Carbon Economies
• Economic Impact of Rising Natural Gas Prices
• The Process of Unconventional Natural Gas Production
• Analysis of Global Natural Gas Market Supply and Demand Status and Competitive Landscape
• The History of Global Natural Gas Production
• U.S. Natural Gas in the Global Economy
• The Truth About Natural Gas Emission Levels
• Natural Gas: The Myth of Transition Fuels
• Benefits of Natural Gas as an Industrial Energy Source
• Natural Gas vs. Coal: Environmental Impacts
• The Future Evolution of Global Natural Gas Trade
• Demand for Natural Gas: Trends and Drivers
• Evolution History of the World Natural Gas Industry
• The Role of Natural Gas in Today’s Energy Transition
• Global Trends on Production and Utilization of Natural Gas
• The Dirty Truth Behind Methane ‘Natural’ Gas
• Natural Gas Companies and Producers in the U.S.
• Hydraulic Fracturing for Natural Gas: Impact on Health and Environment
• Global Natural Gas Market Analysis: Trends and Future Outlook
• Natural Gas Markets Going Global: Changes in Consumption
• Assessing Unconventional Natural Gas Development
• The European Energy Crisis and the Consequences for the Global Natural Gas Market
• Reality Check: Natural Gas’s True Climate Risk
• Record Natural Gas Production Driven by Industrial Deliveries
• Applications and Benefits of Liquefied Natural Gas
• The Myth of Stable and Affordable Natural Gas Prices
• Natural Gas Is Clean Energy: Myth vs. Fact
• The Rewards and Risks of Natural Gas Pipelines
• Natural Gas Environmental Impact: Problems and Benefits
• The Role of Natural Gas in the Global Climate Agenda
• Natural Gas: Bridge to a Renewable Energy Future
• Benefits of Using Natural Gas for Home Heating
• Synthetic Natural Gas as an Alternative to Coal for Power Generation in China
• Humble Beginnings: The Early History of the Natural Gas System

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Valuable loadshedding lessons and fun games for kids and adults too!

Wherever you live in South Africa today and however young or old you are, you have had first-hand experience of having to do without electricity. Whether you are privileged or not, all are having to do their homework by candlelight, for extended periods, and go without certain electricity-fuelled luxuries! However, in these dark moments there’s definitely some loadshedding lessons for all.

We are all experiencing the frustration caused by this disruption, but loadshedding does provide teachable moments that we should not miss around resilience, resourcefulness and even entrepreneurship.

Here is a conversation between a dad and his two sons aged 8 and 11 recently:

Dad:      Why is loadshedding bad?

• Kids:     We can’t watch TV.
• Dad:     Why is that bad?
• Kids:     Because we miss our favourite programmes.
• Dad:     And what else?
• Kids:     We don’t see ads for stuff and then no-one buys stuff.
• Kids:     Shops can’t open because they have no lights and credit card machines don’t work .
• Dad:     And why is that bad?
• Kids:     Then they can’t make any money.
• Dad:     And what about restaurants?
• Kids:     They lose business because they can’t cook meals for their customers.

Dad:     Why is loadshedding good?

• Kids:     Because we get to spend more time together as a family talking and playing games
• Kids:     We now know what other people feel like who don’t have electricity like we do.

Dad:     Can you think of any business opportunities because of this thing with Eskom?

• Kids:     People can start businesses that sell generators.
• Dad:     And what else?
• Kids:     People can service generators or design machines to save electricity and sell them.

Loadshedding lesson: The moral of the story

• Find the good: in every bad situation we must teach our kids to figure out the good and, more importantly, to spot the opportunities. In times of crisis, human beings become innovative.  Out of desperation comes innovation.
• Learn to think critically:  One day they’re going to be in business too. They need to be able to think critically when things go wrong.
• Dont play the blame game: If we teach our children to throw their hands up in the air as victims, they may become victims of circumstance leading them to name blame and shame anything and everyone else for the situation and the circumstances they find themselves in.
• Step back and look for hope and even opportunities: teach them to step back when things are not going well to see what the opportunities are, what the positives might be. This is so important because it gives perspective and it gives hope. One of the most valuable loadshedding lessons is to empower them with possibility thinking.

Loadshedding lessons: fun things to do when the lights go down

While you may need to go to Plan B when the lights go down, you can also make it fun too. Here are some ideas.

• Read the book Who Moved My Cheese together as a family. It’s a quick read that will appeal to all and help them understand that change means you need to change the way you think and what you do.
• Play word games, here’s two:

When the lights go down and screens go off, this is the perfect time to have fun with your kids and teach them important concepts (or loadshedding lessons) at the same time. Turn your frustration into healthy memories that will last forever. Be more emotionally present and learn to connect and create entertainment in a very different way. It costs nothing but a bit of your time and attention and it will create amazing memories for your kids. “Remember what we used to do in the dark…..”

We need to help our children to find a way out of their discomfort, out of the irritation, out of the frustration caused by loadshedding, by laughing with them and having fun. This shows them how to be resourceful and resilient when the chips are down.

There may be nights when you have to eat sandwiches for supper instead of a hot meal or have a lukewarm shower because the geyser didn’t heat up. Finding a workaround is a skill that will help them for life: another invaluable loadshedding lesson

For more tips on raising resilient children read my book Future-proof Your Child for the 2020s and beyond (Penguin Random House, 2019).  Read more here .   You can also join my Facebook group called Parenting Matters  to continue the conversation.

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