Over the years, South Africans have grown accustomed to occasional Stage 1 or 2 load shedding, making only minor adjustments to their routines. However, with Stage 4 and 6 now occurring more frequently, it has become essential to plan ahead to minimize the stress and disruption to daily life.
“Most families and businesses can easily work around a two-hour power outage on any given day, but the frequency of outages we are currently experiencing makes life increasingly challenging,” says Yael Geffen, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty.
“With no clear resolution in sight, being better prepared is now essential. Investing in backup solutions has become a necessity, with the benefits far outweighing the costs.”
Fortunately, compared to a decade ago when expensive generators were the only real option, there are now multiple solutions available, some of which are quite cost-effective:
Affordable and Practical Load Shedding Solutions
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Go Gas: A gas stove ensures you can prepare meals and boil water even during power outages. A two-plate gas stove starts at around R500, while a camping gas stove can be found for as little as R250.
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Rechargeable Lights: These are invaluable during load shedding. A few strategically placed rechargeable lights can illuminate your home, making it safer and more functional. Prices start at approximately R200. Headlamps, ideal for reading or hands-free use, are also a great addition.
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Wireless Switches: Wall-mounted and perfect for closets, drawers, sheds, and garages, these quick and bright lighting solutions start at around R100.
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Smart Rechargeable LED Bulbs: These bulbs function like standard bulbs but contain built-in batteries that charge when the power is on. During outages, they can provide light for up to six hours.
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Surge Protection Plugs: Frequent power outages increase the risk of power surges that can damage electronics. Investing in surge protection plugs and multi-way adapters is a simple way to safeguard your devices.
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Power Banks: Portable batteries ensure that your mobile devices remain charged during outages. Prices start at approximately R200.
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Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): A UPS can keep essential electronics like WiFi routers and computers powered for short periods. Prices start at R700 and also help protect against power surges.
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Inverters: Compact and efficient, inverters convert stored energy into usable electricity. Even a small unit can power essentials like WiFi, a TV, and a decoder. Prices start at around R2000.
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Generators: Petrol or diesel-powered generators come in a variety of sizes, depending on your needs. Prices range from R3000 to R50,000.
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Solar Power: For those with a budget, solar energy is an excellent long-term solution. Even starting small, such as installing a solar geyser, can make a significant difference, particularly for larger families.
Additional Preparation Tips
Regardless of whether you have a backup power source, taking the following precautions can help minimize frustration during load shedding:
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Check Load Shedding Schedules: Stay updated to avoid being caught off guard.
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Secure Your Home: If your security system struggles during outages, consult a professional to improve backup power. Load shedding creates opportunities for criminals, so ensure your home remains secure.
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Stock Up on Extra Lighting: Keep torches, candles, and matches in easily accessible locations.
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Charge Essential Devices: Always keep your phone and laptop charged. A car charger can be useful for emergencies.
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Stay Warm: A gas heater is a reliable solution for keeping your home warm during cold winter evenings.
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Keep Snacks Handy: Non-perishable snacks like chips, dried fruit, and crackers help tide you over when cooking isn’t an option. Also, boil water before an outage and store it in a flask for hot beverages.
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Organize Emergency Supplies: Store candles with matches, and batteries with torches to avoid searching in the dark.
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Protect Electronics: Turn off sensitive electrical devices before an outage to prevent damage from power surges when the electricity returns.
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Plan for Sleep Disruptions: Turn off lights and electronics before an outage to avoid sudden disturbances when power is restored.
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Manage Your Transport Needs: If your garage door is electrically operated, take your car out beforehand or ensure you know how to use the manual override. Keep a foot ladder nearby for convenience.
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Keep Fuel in Your Car: Running out of petrol during load shedding can leave you stranded, so maintain a full tank whenever possible.
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Preserve Freezer Efficiency: Filling empty freezer space with water-filled containers helps keep food colder for longer during outages.
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Plan Homework and Virtual Meetings: Monitor the schedule to prevent disruptions during important online meetings or school assignments.
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Prepare for Entertainment: Load shedding can be an opportunity for quality family time. Stock up on books, board games, and card decks to keep everyone entertained.
Making the Best of the Situation
“Being well-prepared makes it easier to stay calm and continue with daily activities with minimal disruption,” says Geffen. “While we cannot completely eliminate the inconvenience of load shedding, we can take steps to reduce frustration and even create opportunities for family bonding. Some of the best memories are made during these unexpected moments.”
