Load Shedding does not work

[bwana]

Bwana: Two hours is fine. Google along the lines of "power outage fridge temperature 2 4" for some really good links.

When the 4 hour outages were posted, and a thread started on this, I mentioned the 4 hours were pushing the safety issues. Also - and this is a bigger issue - "open" fridges etc in food stores cool faster - and not all shopkeepers are that, uhm, concerned as to the quality of their merchandise. While I am aware that the health practices of a shop keeper are not the responsibility of Eskom et al, it is concerning.

As I said - I'll try to measure the effect next weeks nine hour outage has on the internal temp of the fridge. My FiL has a probe which has a cord that would probably only minimally disrupt the seal - maybe he'll lend it to me in aid of my kitchen science project

 

[Road runner]

It sounds like the transformer bus bars are being stripped out when the blackouts occur here in Peeee eeee.

 

[Moederloos]

OK - some more observations.

We had load shedding on Friday, 4 hours. My usage for Friday was 35KW.
Saturday and Sunday I used 35KW per day as well. I use 35KW every day - with very little variation (maybe 34 one day, 36 the next, but the average is 35 - and over a month, it averages to 35KW per day as well).

So, how is load shedding saving anything?

 

[LCBXX]

How about this: Loadshedding is saving ESKOM money.

Has anyone given thought to the possibility that Eskom might have enough generation capabilities meet demands, but that they might not have the capital to cover the costs of electricity generation?

Perhaps they are trying to stockpile some coal for the winter...or perhaps they can't afford the coal and have to ration in order to pay the R20m bonuses this year.

That would explain the 53% hike they requested. Perhaps loadshedding has got nothing to do with an electricity grid under pressure? Perhaps it has more to do with the fact that Eskom cannot produce electricity at a profit (partly thanks to their dumb Aluminum smelters agreements & others) and therefore cut the power to save their own financial behinds...