Causes, Impact, and How to Prepare For Load Shedding
At Generators For Export, we specialise in supplying high-quality used diesel generators to customers around the world. We also know that power instability is a growing concern, especially in regions prone to frequent outages.
One of the biggest culprits? Load shedding.
In this article, we’ll explain what load shedding is, what causes it, the real impact on homes and businesses, and how you can protect your operations with reliable backup power solutions.
What Is Load Shedding?
Load shedding is a controlled and temporary shutdown of electricity supply to specific areas in order to stabilise the national power grid. It typically happens when electricity demand exceeds available supply, and is used by utility providers to avoid a total system failure or blackout.
This practice has become increasingly common in countries with limited power generation capacity or ageing infrastructure.
What Causes Load Shedding?
Several factors contribute to the need for load shedding. The most common causes include:
- Insufficient Electricity Generation: When demand for electricity outpaces the power grid’s ability to generate supply, especially during peak hours, load shedding is implemented to reduce pressure.
- Breakdowns or Maintenance of Power Plants: Unexpected failures or scheduled maintenance at major power stations reduce total output, triggering scheduled power cuts.
- Fuel Shortages: Many power plants rely on coal, gas, or diesel. When fuel supply chains are disrupted or costs rise, power generation drops and load shedding follows.
- Grid Infrastructure Failures: Transformers, substations, and transmission lines must be operational to maintain supply. Technical faults can cause local or regional blackouts.
- Extreme Weather Conditions: Storms, floods, fires, and heatwaves can damage infrastructure, disrupt supply chains, and drive up demand, creating the perfect storm for power outages. This can also apply to areas being powered by hydro. If there are prolonged times of drought the reservoirs dry up and power is lost.
The Real Impact of Load Shedding
Load shedding affects individuals, families, and businesses in various ways:
- Financial Losses: Retail outlets, manufacturing plants, and service providers lose revenue when operations are halted. Downtime can severely impact profitability, as well as waste a huge amount of produce.
- Reduced Productivity: Businesses suffer from stalled workflows, inaccessible systems, and offline communications when the power goes out.
- Safety Concerns: Security systems, lighting, and surveillance cameras may shut down, increasing the risk of theft or vandalism during outages.
- Appliance and Equipment Damage: Sudden power cuts or voltage spikes when electricity returns can damage sensitive electronics and industrial machinery.
How to Prepare for Load Shedding
The best defence against load shedding is preparation, and the most effective strategy is to invest in backup power systems such as diesel generators.
1. Buy a Used Diesel Generator
At Generators For Export, we offer a wide selection of fully tested, service-ready used diesel generators for sale. These units are ideal for:
- Homes needing emergency backup
- Businesses requiring continuous operations
- Export and trade customers seeking affordable stock
Our generator range includes:
- Used Cummins generators: Renowned for durability
- Used Perkins generators: Trusted worldwide, with a great international aftersales support network.
- Bulk used generator deals for export: Great value for resellers and fleet users
Whether you’re looking for 30kVA or 1000kVA, we stock options to suit all applications and budgets.
2. Calculate Your Power Requirements
Before choosing a generator, determine your essential electrical load:
- Lighting and safety systems
- Internet and communications
- Refrigeration and HVAC
- Production machinery and IT equipment
Not sure where to start? Use our generator sizing guide or contact our expert team for advice.
3. Install an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS)
An ATS automatically switches your power supply from the grid to your generator when an outage occurs. It ensures seamless power continuity and protects sensitive systems.
We offer ATS units as part of our generator installation packages.
4. Plan for Fuel Storage and Maintenance
To keep your generator running smoothly:
- Store diesel safely and rotate it regularly
- Stick to a routine maintenance schedule
- Perform monthly test runs
Need help with servicing or fuel planning? Browse our blog or speak with our team directly.
5. Stay Informed About Load Shedding Schedules
In some countries, utilities release public schedules for planned load shedding. Use this information to:
- Plan business-critical activities
- Run pre-outage generator tests
- Schedule generator refuelling
Stay Powered Through Load Shedding
Load shedding isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a business risk and a personal disruption. The right generator can turn an outage into a minor blip instead of a major crisis.
Don’t wait until the next blackout. Browse our full selection of used diesel generators, or contact our sales team for expert advice on staying powered, prepared, and protected.
Why Choose Generators For Export?
Generators For Export is your trusted partner for used backup generators and diesel power solutions. We provide:
- A rotating inventory of used diesel generators in stock
- Load testing, pre-dispatch inspections, and worldwide export
- Advice tailored to your power requirements and budget
- Trade deals and containerised purchases for global resellers
Our team has years of experience supplying power to industries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and beyond. Whether you're a business protecting your operation or a trader building your stock list, we’ve got a solution for you.
Get in touch via our contact page or WhatsApp us directly for fast support and quotes.
Call: +44(0)1386 553344 | Email: sales@gfe.uk.com