load shedding

Noun

load shedding (uncountable)

1. The process by which an electric utility cuts power to some customers in response to a shortage of available electricity.
2. The process of minimizing usage of electrical power by powering down nonessential equipment following an electrical generation failure, or to reduce the risk of an electrical fire in certain situations.
   • Based on the reported weather at Carbondale, it should have been apparent that he would need electrical power to operate his radio navigation instruments on arrival since he most probably would have to execute an instrument approach to land. Therefore, to insure that he could complete the 39-minute...1985 March 5, National Transportation Safety Board, “2.2 Operational and Human Performance Factors - The Captain's Decision”, in Aircraft Accident Report: Air Illinois Hawker Siddley^([sic]) HS...
   • Early in the SR 111 investigation, it was discovered that the Swissair MD-11 in-flight entertainment network (IFEN) was connected to aircraft power in such a way that was not compatible with the emergency electrical load-shedding design philosophy of the MD-11 aircraft. The IFEN was powered from AC...2003 March 27, Transportation Safety Board of Canada, “4.1.7 In-Flight Entertainment Network/Supplemental Type Certificate - 4.1.7.1 Transportation Safety Board of Canada”, in Aviation Investigation...
3. The postponement of payment of less important bills because of financial problems.