DA concerned by escalating Stages of loadshedding ushering into Winter

The Democratic Alliance (DA) reckons the finalisation of the protocols dealing with Stage 9 loadshedding and beyond is nothing short of horrifying as South Africans struggle to cope with the 8 to 10 hours of blackouts a day imposed by the current Stage 6.

DA SHADOW MINISTER OF ELECTRICITY TAKES AIM AT GOVERNMENT

Weighing in on the crisis, Samantha Graham-Maré, the DA Shadow Minister of Electricity, said Stage 8 would see at least 12 hours a day without power in blocks of 4 hours and Stage 9 even worse. In addition, a move beyond Stage 8 would herald not only load-shedding but electricity curtailment.

“This would require large energy users to further reduce their power usage. The negative impact on industry would be extreme, with a disastrous effect on jobs and the economy.”

Samantha Graham-Maré

ALSO READ: Eskom announces the return of Stage 6 loadshedding

THE RIPPLE EFFECT OF LOADSHEDDING TO THE ECONOMY

She said four-hour blocks of loadshedding reduce the ability of Municipalities to provide water to residents as there is insufficient time for them to refill reservoirs when there is power. Also:

• Cellphone towers begin to lose the ability to transmit signal after 3 hours, leaving rural towns and villages without communications during the 4-hour stretches.
  Smaller food retailers do not have the capacity to keep meat and other products cold for extended periods and there is a very real risk of contamination and food poisoning.
• Small businesses like hairdressers, printing shops, bakeries and seamstresses are unable to operate for hours on end without power, severely restricting their ability to generate an income and keep their businesses sustainable. Most cannot afford a generator or the fuel to run one.

PLAN FOR NEW TIME AND STAGE SCHEDULE

With the National Rationalisation Specifications (NRS) submitting a new loadshedding schedule, the DA welcomed the proactive approach by NRS to prepare for Stage 9 loadshedding and beyond. However, the idea of such extreme measures is abhorrent, said Samantha.

“With the establishment of the National Energy Crisis Committee and the development of the Energy Action Plan in 2022, we were assured that the energy crisis was receiving priority. 8 months later, with no improvement in the situation, we were advised of the appointment of the new Minister of Electricity, Dr Kgosientso Ramokgopa, who was tasked with driving the Energy Action Plan. Almost 5 months into this year and we have had 2 days without load-shedding. And now we are being asked to brace ourselves for Stage 10 in the coming winter,” the DA Shadow Minister reminded the citizens.

“South Africans cannot take much more. The President needs to finalise the powers of Minister Ramokgopa who, in turn, needs to deliver on the myriad promises made since last year. The government needs to stop dilly-dallying and do whatever it takes to resolve this crisis. Our country needs relief. Our people need action. And our energy crisis needs resolution,” she concluded.

ALSO READ: Eskom tips on using a gas stove safely during loadshedding