why load shedding occurs

Load Shedding means the systematic reduction of system demand by temporarily decreasing load in response to transmission system or area capacity shortages, system instability, or voltage control considerations. The grid may become unstable if there is not enough power supply to meet the demand for electricity from all customers. This can damage essential equipment within the grid, risking larger numbers of customers being without power for longer periods of time if load shedding were not used.

Load shedding may be necessary due to a number of factors including:

• an unexpected loss of major electricity generator due to equipment failure
• damage to transmission lines during a severe storm
• very high levels of power consumption by customers