Questions on the loading shedding exercise have arisen and some of the frequently asked questions are answered below:
Q1. Why does ZETDC not come up with a load shedding time table so that we can plan in advance?
A. ZETDC has produced and published load shedding schedules in the print media. The time tables which are advertised from time to time are available at all ZETDC offices and on our website www.zetdc.co.zw
Q2. Why does ZETDC sometimes not stick to the advertised load shedding schedules?
A. The advertised load shedding programme is based on planned power shortfalls. When the planned power shortfalls are exceeded as a result of major system disturbances or equipment failure then ZETDC will be forced to shed areas that may not have been on the programme for that day. This is done in order to save the power system from total collapse.
Q3. Why are some clients not being shed?
A. Circuits or feeders that provide power to essential services are exempted from load shedding. These circuits feed such places as major hospitals, water works, sewage pump stations, airports, broadcasting stations, central business districts and security establishments. Clients who are connected to the same feeders are inevitably exempted as our reticulation system was not designed with load shedding in mind. In certain instances, some neighbourhoods that appear not to be load shed on a particular day, maybe on different feeders with different load shedding patterns from those close to them.
Q4. Why are we shed in the morning and evening when we need electricity most?
A. The power demand profile is shaped by consumer demand. Most clients carry out household chores such as cooking, heating, and bathing in the morning and evening period resulting in increased demand during these periods. It is during these times that demand exceeds supply and hence the need for load shedding to balance demand and supply.
Q5. Does load shedding damage electrical appliances?
A. Load shedding involves opening and closing of switches on the ZETDC power systems and this operation does not damage electrical appliances. However, theft and vandalism of equipment may occur during load shedding resulting in the distortion of normal supply voltage which can damage appliances. As a precaution, clients are advised to switch off the electrical appliance after load shedding and switch them on after normal supply is restored. The use of surge protectors also helps in the protection of appliances.
