INTRODUCTION
The essay will discuss load shedding using rational decision-making principles,
identifying one cause for load-shedding implementation and whether I agree with the
load-shedding decision as well as identifying one alternative solution.
1.Load-shedding using rational decision-making principles.
Identification and analysis of the problem: The issue is aging infrastructure.
Loadshedding is caused by multiple generation failures of ageing power plants and
transmission systems (Igamba 2023). This means that these power facilities are
unable to supply the country's electrical demand. Identification and analysis of
alternative solutions: Investments in renewable energy, particularly wind and solar
energy, are recommended (Igamba 2023).
Assessment of the alternative: will look at cost and benefits, the solution viability in
terms of implementation, including resource availability and possible ability of
renewable energy to supply the country’s electricity needs. Selection: yes load-
shedding was a rational decision. Anderson (1979:7) state that ‘’decision making
involves the choice of alternative from a series of competing alternatives”. Load-
shedding was considered as an alternative to prevent blackouts and maintain grid
stability and its short term not long term.
2. Identifying and evaluating one critical reason for load-shedding.
According to Igama (2023) one of the reasons Eskom has enforced loadshedding is
due to the aging infrastructure. It can lead to numerous problems such as increased
maintenance, less reliable and breakdowns. Ebrahim (2023) state that municipalities
are grappling with aged energy infrastructure that is old and dilapidated due to a lack
of maintenance, rehabilitation, and investment. He also claimed that the repair and
replacement of substations has become a nuisance for towns, which are already
struggling to keep up with routine infrastructure maintenance. Eskom has fought to
maintain it’s outdated; poorly maintained infrastructure and majority of the country's
electrical generating must be replaced (Igamba 2023). The underlying problem is not
the age of the power plants but rather the lack of maintenance at Eskom, repairs,
and making sure that failures are attended to when they occur (mahlahla 2020).
Eskom's track record of adding new generation capacity has been poor, if this
The essay will discuss load shedding using rational decision-making principles,
identifying one cause for load-shedding implementation and whether I agree with the
load-shedding decision as well as identifying one alternative solution.
1.Load-shedding using rational decision-making principles.
Identification and analysis of the problem: The issue is aging infrastructure.
Loadshedding is caused by multiple generation failures of ageing power plants and
transmission systems (Igamba 2023). This means that these power facilities are
unable to supply the country's electrical demand. Identification and analysis of
alternative solutions: Investments in renewable energy, particularly wind and solar
energy, are recommended (Igamba 2023).
Assessment of the alternative: will look at cost and benefits, the solution viability in
terms of implementation, including resource availability and possible ability of
renewable energy to supply the country’s electricity needs. Selection: yes load-
shedding was a rational decision. Anderson (1979:7) state that ‘’decision making
involves the choice of alternative from a series of competing alternatives”. Load-
shedding was considered as an alternative to prevent blackouts and maintain grid
stability and its short term not long term.
2. Identifying and evaluating one critical reason for load-shedding.
According to Igama (2023) one of the reasons Eskom has enforced loadshedding is
due to the aging infrastructure. It can lead to numerous problems such as increased
maintenance, less reliable and breakdowns. Ebrahim (2023) state that municipalities
are grappling with aged energy infrastructure that is old and dilapidated due to a lack
of maintenance, rehabilitation, and investment. He also claimed that the repair and
replacement of substations has become a nuisance for towns, which are already
struggling to keep up with routine infrastructure maintenance. Eskom has fought to
maintain it’s outdated; poorly maintained infrastructure and majority of the country's
electrical generating must be replaced (Igamba 2023). The underlying problem is not
the age of the power plants but rather the lack of maintenance at Eskom, repairs,
and making sure that failures are attended to when they occur (mahlahla 2020).
Eskom's track record of adding new generation capacity has been poor, if this
