Load shedding involves interrupting the electricity supply in certain areas for a few hours in order to prevent the electricity grid crashing.
Load shedding is initiated by the federal government in consultation with Elia, the electricity transport system operator. Sibelga, who is responsible for distributing electricity in the Brussels-Capital Region, receives instructions from Elia.
What causes load shedding?
Load shedding is linked to a problem with the electricity supply. When capacity from production and/or imports is not enough to meet a high level of demand, this leads to an imbalance on the electricity network. This imbalance is dangerous, as it can lead to the electricity grid crashing, known as a blackout.
To avoid this, load shedding involves interrupting the supply of electricity in certain areas. This interruption lasts for 3 to 4 hours in the areas in question. The aim is to enable power plants to restore the balance.
When might load shedding happen?
Load shedding might occur in 2 different circumstances.
Automatic load shedding
Following a sudden event, such as an incident or extreme weather conditions. In this case, automatic load shedding is used. The supply is cut off within a few seconds and without human intervention, as a safety measure for the network.
Manual load shedding
If there is the risk of a shortage, deliberate load shedding may be activated by the government, in consultation with Elia. This is then known as manual load shedding, and is only used when absolutely necessary, if all other prior measures have proved insufficient.
Such a situation may happen in particular during a cold snap, between 5pm and 8pm, when electricity consumption is very high.
Could I be affected by load shedding?
Load shedding plans are activated in the least urbanised areas of the country. Brussels is not affected, with the exception of 2 small areas, which are not served by Sibelga, but Fluvius. This involves a small area in the municipality of Uccle (map) and three streets in Laeken (map).
What preventative measures are taken to avoid load shedding?
Load shedding is used as a last resort to avoid a blackout. The government has drawn up a set of preventative measures with Elia, the distribution network operators and the Crisis Centre.
- Interruptions to supply for major industrial consumers, with their agreement;
- Encouraging all consumers to reduce their consumption for certain time slots;
- Prohibiting certain uses of electricity: lit-up signage, air conditioning, etc.;
- As a last resort, cutting off certain rural parts of the country, known as load shedding.
What actions can we take to avoid load shedding?
Although virtually no load shedding is expected in Brussels, residents of the city are encouraged to join in the efforts to reduce their consumption if there is the risk of a shortage. Through this show of solidarity, you can help prevent other areas around the country from being cut off.