The National Energy Regulator of South Africa has approved protocols for implementing load-shedding up to stage 16.

Should you be worried? Here is everything you need to know.

The regulator published the latest revision of the load-shedding Code of Practice.

The revision was developed by experts from Eskom, the Energy Intensive User Group, metros, and the regulator itself, among others.

The revision consolidates load-shedding stages from Stage 1 to Stage 16 into a single system.

It is believed this is the third edition of the code.

The code aims to help Eskom and municipal distributors mitigate the impact of high load-shedding stages while preventing a grid collapse.

It also allows Eskom’s system operator and electricity distributors to take emergency action if necessary.

The Eskom System Operator is responsible for ensuring the stability of South Africa’s electricity grid and sets the level of load-shedding needed to do so.

The changes to the code include:

• Combining the load-shedding stages into one system from stage 1 to 16;
• Gaining more control over deciding and carrying out load-shedding and load reduction to make the grid more stable and give customers more confidence;
• Also, explaining how to set baseline levels for customers who have to reduce their energy use;
• Additionally, giving these customers the power to lower their energy use by 10% for every two stages of load-shedding, up to stage 10, cutting 50% of their energy use, or switching to essential needs, instead of being required to switch after Stage 4;
• Defining the rules for compliance and reporting (both overall and in real-time);
• Finally, offering advice on using smart meters to lessen the effects of load-shedding on customers.

Here is how the new protocols will be implemented: