Electricity load-shedding in South Africa requires businesses to cut back just as the nation is beginning to recover from the Covid-19 health catastrophe. Cities like Johannesburg have a strained electricity grid and deteriorating infrastructure.
When it comes to power outages, 2022 has been one of the worst for South Africans. The nation was subjected to load shedding for more than 200 days because state-owned Eskom, which provides more than 90% of the nation’s electricity, was unable to produce enough energy.
Power outages are gradually returning after a pause during Christmas.
Ageing, poorly maintained coal-fired power plants that frequently malfunction are to blame for the downturn.
Additionally, just when the nation was recovering from the Covid-19 health catastrophe, these blackouts are directly affecting the economy and growth.
Due to the load shedding, many businesses, including KFC, have been compelled to reduce their operations.
Johannesburg is dealing with an overloaded system and deteriorating infrastructure as a result of frequent power outages and the constant rain. The eastern cape has also seen a significant number of power outages.
In an effort to address the present energy crisis, the department of mineral resources and energy signed 13 new power generation agreements to add almost 1 800 megawatts to the grid over the next few years.
