Loadshedding: What is happening to the supply of emergency power to on-campus students?

Students in on-campus residences at the North-West University in Potchefstroom have started to feel the impact of the decisions taken in December 2023 to limit the supply of emergency power.

Some students have experienced issues with the electricity they need for cooking and noticed the Wi-Fi is not working during loadshedding.

Following the emergency power response meeting concerning the position on residential electricity supply in 2024, significant decisions were approved. They swiftly began to impact students as they commenced their orientation activities earlier this year.

The university management decided that to save resources, residences will not have emergency power during office hours (08:00-16:00) since students can just walk to the campus. The power supply will also be limited from midnight until 04:00 every day, as well as during weekends and holidays. Wi-Fi will be unavailable during loadshedding, according to a document about the decisions taken.

Herman Steyn, the director of special projects in the department of Business and Enterprise Development, said that the budget for emergency electricity power for the Potchefstroom campus in 2024 is R13.2 million. For 2023 it was R273 million for the three campuses.

He said factors contributing to the decisions about emergency power include the unlimited use of heaters and stoves, even when students were not in the residences. Steyn said they put significant pressure on the emergency resources.

Tumelo Setlholo, a first-year student in sports coaching and human development living in Over de Voor men’s residence said, “A person can’t always afford to buy data so an internet connection is vital at university, especially when doing assignments and keeping up with eFundi.’’ He also said that it is a challenge because even when the generators are switched on during loadshedding, the Wi-Fi might be unstable.

Residents rely on electricity for essential tasks such as cooking, refrigeration, and heating. Jaun-Luc Rieth, a first-year student in financial accounting who also lives in Over de Voor, said that when he is in his room trying to prepare food and loadshedding hits, he has to wait longer before he can eat.

Some students also worry about safety. Paulia van Schalkwyk, an LLB student and peer helper from Heide women’s residence, is concerned about the turnstiles. She said when the power does not come on quickly enough, students cannot get in or out of the residence.

The emergency doors can be used but that is only during an emergency like fire.  Reith said his fridge once short circuited, and he had to buy a specific plug to cope with that. This is a safety concern because a person can be electrocuted.

Plans are underway to reduce dependence on the generators. Steyn said that solar plants and energy efficient lighting in residences will take effect.

‘’We are also introducing an electricity saving incentive for residences in terms of which we’ll calculate an expected usage from each residence based on the number of students in that residence. The incentive will translate into funds being allocated to the residence funding model if the targets are achieved.’’

MG Retief, a post-graduate student and resident in Oppirif said he hopes management accelerates the entire process of getting the solar panels by winter as to help with the capacity.

Steyn said that there are plans to build and establish solar plants.

 While the university works towards a solution, students are encouraged to implement energy-saving practices, such as reducing unnecessary electricity consumption and utilising alternative sources of power when possible.

This week’s loadshedding schedule will be available on this website for those who have not downloaded the Eskom loadshedding application.