Page 82 - IRMSA Risk Report 2023
P. 82
CHRIS YELLAND
CONSULTANT
7.12
NATIONAL
GRID
FAILURE
A national energy grid failure would result in widespread power outages across
the country. This means that homes, businesses, hospitals, and other critical
infrastructure would lose access to electricity. The duration of the outage is
different from stages 1 to say 8. It may take several days or even weeks,
depending on the nature and extent of the failure to reenergise the network
which will lead to extended disruption of essential services such as water supply,
communication systems, transportation, and emergency services. Without
electricity, water treatment plants may not be able to operate, communication
networks could go down, traffic lights may cease to function, and hospitals
may struggle to provide necessary medical care. This can lead to a breakdown
of normal functioning in society and pose risks to public safety.
KIREN MAHARAJ
CHAIRPERSON OF THE
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ENERGY ASSOCIATION
82 IRMSA RISK REPORT 2023/24
