In the media: "Watts happening to work? The labour market effects of loadshedding"

25 Jun 2024
power cuts
25 Jun 2024

Expanded access to electricity has been a boon to development in many low- and middle-income countries, including South Africa, but erratic supply has proved a major constraint to economic growth. Now, in the first study on the effects of load-shedding on employment, Tim Köhler and Prof. Haroon Bhorat of the DPRU find that prolonged and regular power outages are significantly and negatively associated with job retention, working hours, and earnings.

Their recently published research paper “Watts happening to work? The labour market effects of loadshedding” considers the labour market effects of ongoing power outages (loadshedding) in South Africa.

The research has also been disseminated via 3 blog/OpEd articles, published by:

UCT also published a press release on the 30th May, titled: High levels of loadshedding are costly for SA’s labour market – report finds

Press/media clippings include:

As well as two radio interviews/podcasts:

  • 4 June 2024: Hot Business: Expert: Impact of loadshedding on jobs