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GEORGE NEWS AND VIDEO - Load shedding is impacting negatively on most businesses in George. That is the message from the George Business Chamber after the organisation conducted a survey to establish the direct impact of Eskom's load shedding on economic activities in George. This follows after load shedding recently became part of the lives of millions of South Africans again.

The chamber received 131 responses to its online survey, which started on 19 February and ended on 25 February. Participants were mostly members of George Business Chamber.

Six questions were asked. On the question how business revenue / turnover was affected by load shedding, 30,33% indicated it was down by 20% and 21,31% stated it was down by 15%. Only 1,64% reported increased turnover.

Altogether 52,34% stated they had to close their businesses during load shedding, while 47,66% could stay open.

Alternative energy sources are used by 70,63% of respondents - most invested in generators - and 29,37% not.

As much as 86,72% said the municipality should give Eskom users a rebate / credit on the downtime of Eskom and only 13,28% do not think it necessary.

It seems that there could be a communications problem. Altogether 55,47% responded that they were not provided with ample warning of load shedding while 44,53% felt they were warned in time.

Comments to the survey included: "Load shedding should be when we sleep, not when we work", "Load shedding without fair warning is a big problem", "Killing the economy" and "Eskom should be privatised with immediate effect."

Watch a video below.

Satisfactory response
Dr Dennis Farrell, chairperson of the George Business Chamber, told the George Herald that the organisation is satisfied with the response. "There is enough information to engage with our affiliates, members and the municipality." Feedback will be provided during their next network event on 28 March and the results will be published on the website.

Farrel said a rebate for times when electricity is not available should be given on the principle of no service or product, no payment. It is a matter that will be discussed with the municipality.

It is also noteworthy that some of the businesses had to close during load shedding because of health and safety and security concerns.

"Load shedding is of great concern. As a business chamber we will continue to engage with local role players to build upon a positive outcome for our economy," he said.

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