Load shedding is here to stay for the foreseeable future. Our national power grid is under severe pressure and all signs indicate that Eskom is, quite literally, powerless to improve the situation in the next few weeks.
It’s no fun to be left in the dark and here at Old Mutual iWYZE, we often see frustrated homeowners who have to deal with spoilt food and damaged appliances due to power surges. While we can’t insure the supply of power (we wish we could!) we can ensure that your load shedding experience is a little more comfortable with these handy load shedding tips!
- Check your insurance policy
Make sure that your homeowner’s insurance policy also covers the contents of your fridge (if not, we can help!) If it does, make sure you understand the terms and conditions and that you keep all your supermarket receipts should you have to claim after prolonged blackouts. - Be smart about the schedule
Forewarned is forearmed. There are a number of reliable load-shedding apps available to keep you informed even if the load shedding schedule changes. Search your app store for ‘load shedding schedule’ and download one that works for you. - See about solar
The sun is a free energy source. While there are a number of complete “off the grid” solar solutions, these are quite expensive. Solar power can be harnessed in smaller quantities with solar lamps and phone chargers readily available for relatively cheap. If you can’t take your entire home off the grid, at least you can have some light and keep your phone charged. - Go with gas
Gas technology has improved in leaps and bounds. Converting to a gas stove will save you money in the long run, but for a quick load shedding solution, invest in a camping stove that won’t break the bank while keeping the pots boiling. - Keep your cool with frozen cool drink bottles
Worried about your food going off? Freeze some empty plastic cool drink bottles while your electricity is on. Once the power goes off, place these in your fridge to keep it from warming up. Make sure you don’t overfill the bottles though, as water expands when frozen. - Plan your commute
Traffic lights are part of the national power grid. Leave a little earlier and travel less where possible to save yourself time and frustration. - Protect your appliances
Invest in power surge plugs to protect your appliances and electronics. These are available at around the R50-R100 mark… a lot less than replacing your electric appliances! - Stay safe
Access gates and alarm systems generally work on electricity and have back-up batteries. Have your batteries tested to make sure you’re protected during prolonged periods of load shedding. - Do your homework before you buy a generator
Generators are great, but can be a costly investment if you don’t buy according to your needs. Make sure about the power output, fuel consumption, spares availability, noise levels and installation requirements before you buy.
Load shedding is a reality we have to live with for the moment. An important part of being prepared is making sure that your home insurance cover will have your back in any event. Trust Old Mutual iWYZE for a powerful solution that you can rely on. Get an instant, online quote today!
- Sources:
- https://ewn.co.za/Features/how-to-survive-load-shedding
- https://www.goodhousekeeping.co.za/9-tips-for-surviving-load-shedding/
- http://www.capetalk.co.za/articles/342020/6-insurance-tips-for-mishaps-linked-to-load-shedding
