device that ensures "clean" power (no frequency/voltage fluctuations).
These are built because SA has struggled with power; it had load-shedding
in 2008 (basically pre-announced rolling blackouts) and it currently runs
on 1/2 the recommended reserve margin, meaning it has very little spare
capacity. The assumed poor ability of parastatals to consistently deliver
basic services means extra costs to people.
In another example, guess what MTN's (big cell phone company) biggest
expense is in Nigeria? Diesel. It has to have a diesel generator next to
every cell tower because of the total lack of consistent power, so it has a
network of trucks to refuel the generators daily. AT&T Mobile has probably
never thought about its diesel consumption.
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