Definition

Noun: - The deliberate, temporary shutdown of electric power on specific lines or in specific areas, implemented by a utility company when the total demand for electricity exceeds the available supply. This is done to prevent a total system-wide blackout.

Usage

This term is used to describe a controlled, rotational power outage managed by an electrical utility or grid operator. It is a formal term for planned power cuts.

Examples

• The city implemented load-shedding for two hours daily during the heatwave to avoid a grid collapse.
• Residents were frustrated by the frequent load-shedding but understood it was necessary to maintain the stability of the national power grid.
• The schedule for the week's load-shedding was published in the local newspaper.

Advanced Usage

• As a gerund/noun modifier: The term is almost exclusively used as a compound noun. It can modify other nouns (e.g., , ).
• Contextual Note: While the core meaning relates to electricity, the concept can be metaphorically applied to other systems under strain (e.g., data networks, water supply), though "load-shedding" itself strongly implies an electrical context.

Variants and Related Words

• Brownout: A reduction in voltage in an electrical power supply system, which dims lights but does not cut power completely. This is different from the complete shutdown of load-shedding.
• Blackout: A complete and widespread loss of electrical power, often unplanned and caused by a system failure. Load-shedding is a controlled action taken to a blackout.
• Power Cut / Outage: More general terms for a loss of electricity, which can be planned (load-shedding) or unplanned.

Synonyms

• Rolling blackout (This is a near-synonym, though "rolling blackout" emphasizes the rotational nature of the cuts across different areas.)
• Managed outage
• Rotational power cut

Related Phrases

• To shed load: The verbal phrase from which the noun is derived.
  • The utility company was forced to shed load to protect the grid.
• Under load-shedding: Describing the state of being subject to these power cuts.
  • The suburb is under load-shedding from 6 PM to 8 PM.

Notes

• Regional Usage: This term is particularly common in countries where electricity demand chronically outpaces supply. It is a standard technical term in electrical engineering and utility management.
• Distinction: It is crucial to distinguish between the planned, systematic nature of load-shedding and accidental, unexpected blackouts or power failures.

Noun

1. cutting off the electric current on certain lines when the demand becomes greater than the supply