You don’t have to be left in the dark! Here are some practical solutions to lessen the impact:
1. Know your schedule
When’s our next load shedding? A common refrain in many South African households these days. Forewarned is forearmed. Know your area load shedding schedule in advance by downloading a reliable load shedding app onto your smartphone like EskomSePush. Now you can easily plan when to cook dinner, wash the dishes and do the laundry just in time for the inevitable switch off.
2. Get lit
Use LED rechargeable globes. When power is on they function as a regular light bulbs. They need 8-10 hours for their power supply to fully charge and will continue to provide light for around 4-5 hours during power outages.
Whatever backup form of light you choose, torches, candles or lanterns, make sure that you store them in easy-to-access places around your home.
2. Charge your laptop
Keep your laptop charged. Laptops are great for charging phones and in a pinch, you can also use them to stream your favourite Netflix series or movies. Fetch the popcorn.
3. Put a flask to the task
If you love your coffee or tea, do your future self a favour and fill a thermos flask with boiling water. You’re welcome.
4. Buy a generator
If your budget allows for it – buy a generator. Look at portable generators that will meet the needs of your home by compiling a list of all the appliances that will run on generator power during an outage. Add the amount of power required to run each item on your list. Calculate the total wattage of the appliances that will run together to determine what size generator you need.
A mid-sized generator may be sufficient to power lighting, computers, and some appliances. Read: How To Choose The Correct Generator.
If you live in a complex where a noisy generator is not viable, opt instead for a silent, fume-free inverter to power your electronic equipment.
5. Go solar
Advances in solar power technology offer hybrid systems which function as backup and complementary power.
Read more here: Residential solar power systems: Soaking up the sun is rewarding, but it isn’t all plain sailing
6. Come on baby light my gas braaier!
Get yourself a gas cooker or a camping stove. This way you can cook food or boil a kettle even when the lights are out.
During winter have a gas heater or fireplace at the ready.
7. Freeze ahead
Freeze water in empty plastic drinking bottles so that when the power goes out you can leave it in the freezer to prevent its contents from thawing. You can also put some into the fridge to keep food colder for longer.
8. Car chargers for phones
Grab a car charger and keep it in the car to make the most of your drive home. Especially if you need that nifty flashlight on your smartphone.
9. Remember to unplug your devices
Load shedding can affect your appliances, as power surges can lead to permanent damage. If possible, install surge protectors on all your large appliances and keep others safely unplugged during load shedding.
10. Stay cool bro’
There are lots of interesting, rechargeable gadgets out there. But during the South African summer, the one you want is a rechargeable fan. Prices start at around R250 online and some designs even incorporate a lighting solution.
