The Impact of Eskom’s Load Shedding Schedule on IT Infrastructure
The Impact of Eskom’s Load Shedding Schedule on IT Infrastructure
Load shedding, or scheduled power outages, have become a normal part of life in South Africa, as a consequence of Eskom, the state-owned electricity provider’s, lack of maintenance and strategic planning over many years.
The first of what would become a regular sequence of statewide load shedding occurrences hit South Africans in the late year of 2007. The term “load shedding” is used to describe the practice of regularly scheduled planned power outages, in which portions of the electrical distribution network are deliberately shut down to prevent damage to the grid and the possibility of a nationwide blackout.
Although load shedding first started 16 years ago, the past few months have been the toughest for South Africans. It is well-documented that Eskom load shedding occurred on more than 200 days in South Africa in 2022 alone, and that load shedding has been occurring continuously for the past 60 days or more.
For the second quarter of 2022, the country’s GDP fell by 0.7%, primarily because of frequent power outages.
While GDP growth in the third quarter of 2022 was positive, it was measured against a negative base, and there were fears that load shedding by Eskom was having a significant negative impact on the economy.
Eskom’s continued harm to the economy is seen in the latest economic indices for the fourth quarter. In November of 2022, manufacturing output decreased by 1.1% annually.
There are serious repercussions to spending half of one’s waking day without electricity: increased food waste as refrigerators are turned off, business owners sitting with paid employees who are unable to do their jobs, the shutdown of major industries and adverse impacts on infrastructure — technological and civil, to name a few.
An organisation’s IT infrastructure consists of all the components needed to run its IT systems effectively. It’s the backbone of every company’s IT system and crucial to the smooth running of all the other components that handle data in any form.
Bewlow we will consider the effects of load shedding on IT infrastructure, including hardware and software.
The most fundamental components of an organisation’s information technology infrastructure are the computers, networks, and storage media that support the organisation’s operations. Often situated in data centres or server rooms, this equipment offers the essential processing power for an organisation to conduct its business. To keep the hardware in working order, these facilities typically feature cooling systems, backup power sources, and other mission-critical infrastructure.
Voltage spikes or surges, caused by frequent power outages, will damage or destroy electronic components in the hardware. These damages can result in expensive repairs or the need to replace the affected hardware, both of which have the potential to have a major impact on a company’s budget.
IT infrastructure also includes the software used for data processing and storage, in addition to the hardware. The term “business software” encompasses more than just office suites and operating systems; it also includes anything else that helps run a company. Business-specific applications, such as customer relationship management (CRM) software, enterprise resource planning (ERP) programs, and human resource management (HRM) programs, are also included in the software that makes up a company’s IT infrastructure.
Load shedding also affects both local and wide area networks, as well as virtual private networks (VPNs). Networks make it possible to move data across multiple computer systems in an effective manner and give users remote access to data and applications.
Any company suffers significant losses when normal operations are disrupted. This could result in missed deadlines, a loss of money, and a decline in overall productivity. Even while businesses can plan ahead for scheduled load shedding, these disruptions to their operations can nonetheless result in substantial financial losses.
The destruction of essential data is one of the most critical negative effects that can be caused by load shedding on a regular and predetermined timetable. While scheduled loadhsedding gives businesses the chance to store and back up their data in advance, the possibility of losing data still exists, in the event that the backup system fails.
IT infrastructure also encompasses all of the policies, procedures, and employees that are required to effectively manage and maintain the underlying technology infrastructure. This comprises governance of information technology (IT), security measures, backup and disaster recovery strategies, and support from the help desk. These components are essential to ensure that the technological infrastructure continues to function properly and securely, and they provide the necessary support for users who require assistance with technical matters.
The loss of production is one of the most important implications scheduled load shedding has on a company’s bottom line. If a company’s activities are highly dependent on computers and other electronic machinery, losing power could spell disaster. If, for some reason, workers can’t get into essential computer networks, they might not be able to get their jobs done on time. This decreased productivity can have a major impact on the bottom line, in particular for companies whose operations are time-sensitive.
ASG is one of the best IT companies in South Africa. Get in touch with our team for more expert advise and effective IT solutions.
FAQs on the impact of load shedding schedule on IT Infrastructure
What is load shedding in South Africa and why does it occur?
Load shedding is a planned power outage that occurs regularly in South Africa due to Eskom’s lack of maintenance and strategic planning over many years.
How long has load shedding been happening in South Africa and how frequently is it occurring?
Load shedding first started in South Africa in 2007 and has been occurring continuously for the past 16 years. In 2022 alone, it occurred on more than 200 days.
What is IT infrastructure and why is it important for businesses?
IT infrastructure is the backbone of a company’s IT system and includes all the components needed to run its IT systems effectively, such as computers, networks, storage media, and software. It is crucial to the smooth running of all the other components that handle data in any form.
What is included in a company's IT infrastructure?
IT infrastructure includes hardware, software, policies, procedures, employees, governance of information technology, security measures, backup and disaster recovery strategies, and support from the help desk.
How does load shedding affect IT infrastructure?
Load shedding can damage or destroy electronic components in hardware due to voltage spikes or surges, resulting in expensive repairs or the need to replace affected hardware. It also affects local and wide area networks and VPNs.
What are the potential consequences of load shedding on a company's operations?
Load shedding can result in missed deadlines, a loss of money, a decline in overall productivity, and decreased production for companies whose operations are time-sensitive. It also poses a risk of data loss, despite backup systems being in place.
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