In the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI), skepticism abounds, questioning its potential impact on various aspects of society. Just as couples can benefit from deep, enriching conversation regardless of their relationship’s duration, a similar desire for profound understanding and exploration surrounds the ongoing discourse on AI’s implications.

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I didn’t write that intro, OpenAI’s ChatGPT did when I asked it to write an intro about the skepticism surrounding AI – in the style of Zahraa Schroeder. All for the interview between the trending chatbot and myself, about the most pressinf topic in South Africa: loadshedding.

Introductions + consent

Time to get into it. I asked ChatGPT what it knew about loadshedding in South Africa.

The AI responded that it is Eskom’s efforts to ” to balance electricity supply and demand”. It also noted that loadshedding is implemented in order to “prevent a total collapse of the power grid and allows Eskom to manage the available electricity supply effectively”.

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Zahraa: Does South Africa need loadshedding?

ChatGPT: South Africa has faced challenges in its electricity supply for several years. The country’s power generation capacity has struggled to keep up with growing demand, leading to a strained power grid. Eskom, the national power utility, has been working to address these issues through maintenance programs, infrastructure upgrades, and the development of new power generation projects. However, implementing these measures takes time, and until significant improvements are made, load shedding may continue to be necessary to prevent a total collapse of the power system.

It adds that the ‘need’ for loadshedding “arises due to various factors such as aging infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, capacity constraints, and sometimes unforeseen circumstances…” It also notes preventing the collapse of the power grid. While it seems that loadshedding offers many “benefits” it has been negatively affecting people across the country since its heightened inception.

Can AI end loadshedding?

I then asked ChatGPT to use its big brain and give 5 possible solutions to ending loadshedding. “Addressing the underlying causes and finding solutions to reduce or eliminate the need for load shedding is crucial” says ChatGPT:

1. Diversification of Power Sources: South Africa heavily relies on coal-fired power plants for electricity generation. Diversifying the energy mix by incorporating renewable energy sources can increase overall generation capacity. This approach reduces the strain on the power grid and decreases the likelihood of load shedding.
2. Infrastructure Development and Maintenance: Investing in the development and maintenance of power infrastructure is essential. Upgrading aging power plants, transmission lines, and distribution networks can improve the efficiency and reliability of the electricity supply. This can help prevent unplanned breakdowns and decrease the need for load shedding.
3. Energy Efficiency and Demand Response: Promoting energy efficiency practices across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors can help reduce overall electricity demand. Encouraging the use of energy-efficient appliances, implementing building energy codes can alleviate strain on the power grid. Implementing programs that incentivize users to reduce their electricity consumption during peak demand periods can help balance supply and demand.
4. Energy Storage Solutions: Integrating energy storage systems, such as large-scale batteries or pumped hydro storage, can help store excess electricity generated during low-demand periods. This can be used during peak demand periods, reducing the strain on the grid. Mitigating the need for load shedding.
5. Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Private Sector Participation: Encouraging private sector participation and allowing independent power producers to generate and supply electricity can increase overall generation capacity. This diversification of power sources and increased competition can help stabilize the electricity supply.

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What do you think?

Should AI-produced ideas and solutions be implemented in solving the need for loadshedding? ChatGPT seems to think so: Absolutely! AI can play a valuable role in analyzing data, optimizing energy systems, and suggesting innovative solutions.

Could this be a job we as humans are willing to hand over to the machines?