Turn load shedding, into loads of fun! Go Back
Author: Marisan Hallett Date: 08 July 2022
“Eskom released a media statement” …yes, we all know what this means. Load shedding has become our new normal and believe it or not, it is the lesser of two evils. When the energy demand of the country exceeds that which Eskom can generate, load shedding is implemented to protect against the serious strain this has on the system. If loading shedding should fail to protect the national grid, South Africa could face a complete national shutdown.
Load shedding is done in stages to keep the grid stable:
During Stage 1 you can expect a blackout every second day for about 2.5 hours at a time. To keep the grid stable, Eskom needs to shed 1000MW usage.
During Stage 2 you will likely be hit with blackouts every day, lasting 2.5 hours each. Eskom needs to shed 2000MW to keep the grid stable.
Stages 3 and 4 are the most disruptive. To shed 4000MW, Eskom will implement Stage 3 load shedding of 2.5 hours up to three times a day. Stage 4 adds unscheduled power cuts without warning.
Being prepared will alleviate some of the frustration that comes along with load shedding. You can keep track of the load shedding schedule by downloading the EskomSePush app. This way you will also know if there are any schedule changes and suspensions. You can also get the relevant information on Mydorpie.com.
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Protect your appliances:
While load shedding is in effect, there is no electrical current being fed to your electrical outlets. When the power comes back on a surge of electricity will pass through your electrical distribution, which might damage your devices. Unplug your devices during load shedding to protect against this. Consider investing in a power surge protector.
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Stay connected and safe:
Purchase a power bank to keep your phone charged during load shedding and make sure you have backup batteries for your home security systems. The Genki Portable Power Station is a compact design with the capacity to meet your needs.
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Let there be light:
Invest in rechargeable LED emergency bulbs. Use candles, gas lamps or torches, and give you an option for ambience! This will be a good time to teach your children about fire safety and make sure you have a household fire extinguisher nearby.
Genki Portable Power Station 500W
Rechargeable LED Emergency Lamp 5W E27
Once you have your backups and appliances in place, you can turn load shedding into loads of fun. You’ve been wanting to get your teenager away from their phone and now you have their attention. Make the most of this time –
- Do what South Africans do in times of peril and celebration alike and organize a braai with friends and family. Make sure to invite the friend who is always willing to play some acoustic guitar and have a shisa nyama.
- Dust of the board games. Become the property mogul with Monopoly or show off your language skills with Scrabble. Not one for board games – grab the deck of cards and play some Rummy or Go Fish. Your kids will marvel at the fact that games do not have to include a screen.
- Sit out outside and become one with nature. Reflect on the marvels around you. Lie on a blanket and look up at the night sky and take in the magnitude of our Universe. Reflect on the things you can be thankful for together with your loved ones. See it as a gift to be able to sit quietly and bond with your children.
- Take time for yourself with a long, relaxing bubble bath. The hustle and bustle of the time we live in often leave us drained and out of touch with ourselves. Take this time to reconnect with yourself and find some inner peace.
Remember – we are all in this together. Load shedding can be valuable time with family and friends so make the most of it. Take the advice from Simon and Garfunkel - “slow down, you move too fast” and make every moment last.
