How To Beat Load-Shedding
It's winter season and we know power shortage is looming. We also know that you are wondering how to prepare your house or your business for load shedding should it start to take place regularly. Follow this guide for ideas to consider when load shedding strikes in your area, some of which are easy and affordable.
Seven simple ways to prepare for load shedding:
- Check your load shedding schedule regularly so you have enough time to prepare.
- Avoid power surges nuisance tripping: if you know that your area will be affected by load shedding switch off appliances, geysers, pool pumps, air conditioners, lights and other electrical equipment to reduce the risk of damage caused when the power comes back on.
- If you can, use a solar geyser and also solar lamps when lights are out.
- Make sure your computer, laptop or phone is fully charged so you can still use them.
- Draw some cash when there is still power, as the ATM will be offline.
- Keep your bottles in the freezer so they are ice cold when load shedding starts.
- Prepare meals in advance, as it is possible to wake up to no electricity and will be stuck to make breakfast or might not make it home in time to cook supper.
Do you know what the different stages of power shortage mean and how they can affect you? Well, we've got you covered with more information on load shedding schedules to help you plan your days and nights more effectively.
Stage 1
To keep the national grid stable, Eskom needs to shed 1000MW. Stage 1 is the least disruptive of the schedules. Your area is likely to be hit three times over a four day period for 2 hours at a time, or three times over an eight day period for 4 hours at a time.
Stage 2
To keep the national grid stable, Eskom needs to shed 2000MW. Stage 2 (double the amount of the load shedding planned in Stage 1) means your area is likely to be hit six times over a four day period for 2 hours at a time, or six times over an eight day period for 4 hours at a time.
Stage 3
To keep the national grid stable, Eskom needs to shed at most 4000MW. Stage 3 (increased by 50% of the amount of the load shedding planned in Stage 2) means your area is likely to be hit nine times over a four day period for 2 hours at a time, or nine times over an eight day period for 4 hours at a time.
Stage 4
To keep the national grid stable, Eskom needs to shed at least 4000MW. Stage 4 (double the frequency of Stage 2) means your area is likely to be hit twelve times over a four day period for 2 hours at a time, or twelve times over an eight day period for 4 hours at a time.