11 hacks to get you through load shedding in South Africa

Load shedding is a common occurrence in South Africa and can be very frustrating, especially when it happens unexpectedly. The electricity grid is under a lot of pressure and load shedding is a way to prevent a total blackout. During load shedding, certain areas of the country are deliberately cut off from the power supply for a period of time, leaving many households and businesses without electricity.

Here are 11 hacks that can help you get through load shedding in South Africa:

1. Plan Ahead One of the best ways to get through load shedding is to plan ahead. Make a list of all the tasks that you need to complete during the day and prioritize them. This way, you can complete the most important tasks when there is electricity, and when there is load shedding, you can focus on the less important ones.

2. Get a Generator Another option is to invest in a generator. This will ensure that you have electricity even when there is load shedding. Generators come in different sizes, so it is important to get one that will be able to power all the essential appliances in your home.

3. Use Solar Power Solar power is becoming more popular in South Africa, and it can be a great way to get through load shedding. You can install solar panels on your roof and use them to power your home during load shedding. Solar power can also help you save money on your electricity bill.

4. Use Power Banks Power banks are portable batteries that can be used to charge your electronic devices. They come in different sizes, and you can use them to charge your phone, laptop, and other electronic devices during load shedding.

5. Invest in a UPS A UPS (uninterruptible power supply) is a battery backup system that can provide power to your electronic devices during load shedding. It can provide enough power for you to save your work and safely shut down your devices.

6. Use Battery-Powered Lights During load shedding, it is important to have some form of lighting. Battery-powered lights are a great option because they are portable and easy to use. You can also use rechargeable batteries to power them.

7. Stock Up on Non-Perishable Food Load shedding can last for several hours, so it is important to stock up on non-perishable food. This way, you can still have a meal even when there is no electricity.

8. Use Gas Appliances Gas appliances can be a great alternative to electric appliances during load shedding. You can use a gas stove to cook your food, and a gas heater to keep warm.

9. Keep Yourself Entertained Load shedding can be quite boring, especially if you are used to using electronic devices for entertainment. You can keep yourself entertained by playing board games, reading books, or having conversations with family and friends.

10. Stay Safe During load shedding, it is important to stay safe. Make sure that you have a flashlight and extra batteries in case of an emergency. If you are using candles, make sure that they are placed in a safe location away from flammable objects.

11. Stay Informed Finally, it is important to stay informed about load shedding schedules. You can check the Eskom website or download the EskomSePush app to get real-time updates on load shedding schedules in your area.

Load shedding can be quite frustrating, but with these 11 hacks, you can make it through without too much inconvenience. By investing in a generator, solar panels, power banks, UPS, gas stove, candles, lanterns, solar lamps, LED lights, staying informed, and joining a neighborhood watch group, you can get through load shedding with ease. By planning ahead, investing in alternative power sources, and staying safe, you can minimize the impact of load shedding on your daily life.