According to Eskom, there is an “extremely low likelihood” of a total grid collapse. However, if it was to happen, it would be an unprecedented national catastrophe that would result in devastating social and economic consequences and the collapse of municipal infrastructure and services, food shortages, and water problems.
Even though there is only an “extremely low likelihood” according to Eskom, various experts in the industry and organisations are considering contingency plans for not only a national grid failure but also the much more likely situations of continued severe load shedding for stages 4 and beyond. In addition, NERSA have proposed to increase the existing 8 stages of load shedding to 16 stages, how will this affect us going forward?
The situation is complex and evolving therefore the solutions will be complex and should evolve too. Some of the risk categories to consider include;
- People (Security, safety and well-being)
- Infrastructure (buildings, remote working etc.)
- Provision of utilities (failure of municipal services)
- Communications and alternative back-ups
- Operations
- Technology (Safe haven – keeping data outside of the country?)
- Cyber Security
- Supply chain
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