{"id":3293,"date":"2015-03-12T10:49:16","date_gmt":"2015-03-12T09:49:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/buzzsouthafrica.com\/?p=3293"},"modified":"2020-05-10T20:12:58","modified_gmt":"2020-05-10T19:12:58","slug":"south-african-doomsday-plans-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buzzsouthafrica.com\/south-african-doomsday-plans-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"South African Doomsday Plans: What You Need To Know"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you ever considered what it would be like if the lights went out and there was no electricity indefinitely? Do you think you can survive without electricity for close to a month or more? Well from all the fuss going on, it has been confirmed that a total blackout is a possibility and as such, contingency plans have been put into motion by the government, major companies and the US Embassy. But since the government cannot reach everyone and help out during a blackout, the bigger question is what are you doing to prepare yourself in case there is actually a blackout.<\/p>\n

Again, the possibility of a total blackout is quite slim as Eskom<\/a> said. It would only happen if there is a\u00a0total collapse of the power grid which is highly unlikely. Then again,\u00a0a recent City Press report quoting Eskom sources said that a total power grid collapse was a \u201cvery significant possibility for the foreseeable future\u201d. The report went on to say that Zuma and Cabinet have been briefed concerning the possibility of a blackout and the things that need to be put in place to prevent it, but also the things that need to be done as control measures to ensure minimized risk in case if the blackout happens.<\/p>\n

A source from Power and Utility said \u201cYou cannot operate an electrical system where demand exceeds supply,\u201d adding that load shedding was a process of switching off the demand to prevent such a blackout from happening.<\/p>\n

Is Such A Blackout Really Possible?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Yes, it is very much possible, which was why ESKOM had\u00a0implemented rotational load shedding, to avoid a\u00a0potential national blackout in South Africa.\u00a0Eskom has implemented rolling blackouts for almost a year as its old, deteriorating infrastructure buckles under the strain. They are a last-resort measure to avoid total failure of the power system.<\/p>\n

Such a collapse would bring the country to its knees within days. After their backup diesel generators run out, everything from hospitals to water suppliers and mobile phone firms could cease to function, while law and order could break down.<\/p>\n

Power Utility explained that such a problem would not be a small matter but it is still possible. Director of EE Publishers and electricity expert Chris Yelland<\/a> explained that\u00a0\u201cwhen demand exceeds supply, what happens is\u00a0this: you have to overload generators, transformers, cables, and switchgear.\u201d\u00a0If there is an overload and the equipment starts to trip, the overall electricity supply decreases, but the demand stays the same.<\/p>\n

So, to protect against the massive damage such an overload would cause, trip mechanisms are installed in such equipment, such that\u00a0excessive demand in some parts of South Africa\u2019s electricity grid could cause a national blackout and not just a blackout in that area.<\/p>\n

What Are The Risks Of A National Blackout?<\/strong><\/h3>\n

A blackout in the estimation of ESKOM might last for two weeks or one month and as such, is quite risky for the country, organizations, and individuals as well for the following reasons:<\/p>\n