We can’t avoid it, so we must face facts and accept that loadshedding is here to stay… indefinitely. So, what options do we have – without spending loads of cash on costly inverters, solar panels, etc.? Depending on your budget, here are a range of ideas and options, which may be useful:
Converting to an affordable gas oven and stove can help you cook food and boil water, even if there’s no electricity. There’s also the portable option: you can buy a camping gas stove or single plate gas cooker.
Battery-operated or solar lights can provide light during load shedding. You can get lanterns, torches, and other battery-operated lights to keep around the house when the power goes off. These lights are portable and can be moved around easily to provide light wherever it may be needed. It’s less dangerous than using just candles, which can pose a fire hazard, especially for small children.
Note: It’s important to make sure that the batteries in these lights are fully charged and that you have spare batteries on hand. Some battery-operated lights also have a rechargeable option, which can be charged when the power is on.
Installing a low-cost UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) can help keep your router, cellphones, and laptops going, during load shedding. You might also consider buying a power pack for R300 to R1,100 to recharge your cellphone, or even your laptop. This option allows you to use electronic devices and have lights on during load shedding.
Using empty plastic cool drink bottles is another way to cope with load shedding. You can fill them with water and place them in your deep freeze. If the power is out for a long time, you can take them out and put them in your fridge to keep food cold until the power comes back on.
Other alternatives. Solar-powered cell phone chargers. They work by converting sunlight into electricity. They typically have small solar panels that collect sunlight and convert it into electrical energy, which is then stored in an internal battery. When you connect your cell phone to the charger, the stored energy is used to charge your phone’s battery. This is a very handy item, as it is reassuring to know you are always in contact with others, even if there is no electrical power.
Keep warm without electricity. Drink warm liquids such as coffee, tea, and hot chocolate, using your gas bottle, which will help keep you warm on chilly nights. Boil water on your gas and fill a glass bottle, insert it into a sock which can be used as a great hot water bottle to ensure you stay warm!
We recently asked our social media followers what advice they could share to survive loadshedding – here are the top 3 tips shared:
- Download the App so you are aware of the loadshedding times to plan the day, such as when you need to shower, cook, charge your electronics.
- Stock up on firewood and have a family braai during loadshedding.
- Use this time to reconnect as a family together, talking, laughing, playing board games – screen-free time!
