Explainer: How much does load-shedding actually cost South Africa?
The dire situation at Eskom has once again reared its ugly head, with South Africa plunged yet again into stage 4 load-shedding. Briefly.co.za took a look at how much the blackouts truly cost South Africa.
PAY ATTENTION: Click “See First” under the “Following” tab to see Briefly.co.za News on your News Feed!
South Africans have once again found themselves on the business end of the load-shedding stick. Stage 4 load-shedding has been plaguing the country, with 4 000 MW being taken off the grid.
Chris Yelland, an energy expert, has commented on the costs of unserved energy, saying that load-shedding costs South Africa almost R1 billion per stage every day that the blackouts are in place.
Briefly.co.za took a closer look at what South Africa forks out for load-shedding, over and above the inconvenience.
PAY ATTENTION: Do you want to know what's trending on Briefly.co.za? Join our WhatsApp group today.
READ ALSO: Explainer: How serious is the situation at Eskom's stations really?
Today marked the sixth day in a row that load-shedding has been in place, bringing the amount to R20 billion. This was worked out according to Yelland's formula, consisting of:
- 14 March (stage 2) = R2 billion
- 15 March (stage 2) = R2 billion
- 16 March (stage 4) = R4 billion
- 17 March (stage 4) = R4 billion
- 18 March (stage 4) = R4 billion
- 19 March (stage 4) = R4 billion
Total for March so far = R20 billion
PAY ATTENTION: Forbes Top 10 Wealthiest Celebrities In 2018
According to The South African, Eskom officials have warned that stage 4 load-shedding will probably be in place until Wednesday. Officials are hopeful that the pressure on the grid causing the blackouts will subside by the end of the week.
In the meantime, Eskom seems to be running up expenses on an already bloated tab.
Enjoyed reading our story? Download BRIEFLY's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major South African news!
Source: Briefly News
