The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) 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.

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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:

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