South Africans know the term “load shedding” all too well and everyone has experienced the panic associated with not knowing when the electricity will be switched on again. Although not a solution, it helps to know how to survive load shedding and luckily the Mr. Power team put together a guide on surviving load shedding on all budgets.

YOU’LL ALSO LOVE: 4 Money saving tips for winter

Load shedding seems to be here to stay and, along with increasing electricity tariffs, the need to explore and invest in alternative ways to power your home and office has become a necessity.

Take your “power” back with these solutions:

  • When load shedding is implemented unexpectedly switch off or unplug all appliances immediately (either at the plug or electricity board). This will protect your appliances from a power surge when the electricity is switched back on.
  • Prepare for power outages by keeping all your devices charged, pre-prepare meals and fill a flask with boiling water before load shedding is scheduled to start.

R500-load-shedding budget

  • Stock up on enough candles and matches.
  • For more light purchase a few emergency “plug-in” lights that will come on immediately if the power fails and keep a few plugged in around the house (they cost around R100 each).
  • Invest in battery operated touch-lights that can be attached to walls and doors.
  • Buy a good torch.

R2000-load-shedding budget

  • Think camping and use a gas braai for cooking and heating outside.
  • Install a Mr. Power Geyser Controller to pre-programme the geyser to heat prior to load shedding. At the same time this will save around 50% of your geyser bill.
  • A solar kit from Mr. Power has up to four LED lights. Keep it charged with direct sunlight and have light readily available at night.

ALSO READ: Romantic lighting ideas

A higher load-shedding budget

  • For those not willing to give up the luxuries that go hand-in-hand with electricity there’s the Mr. Power inverter. It’ll run your TV and satellite units, computers and even a low energy lamp for up to four hours (Cost is between R5000 and R12 000).

Should load shedding happen again, you can find the schedule for your area here. 

READ MORE: 10 money saving gardening tips

 

All of the above products are available at all branches of The Lighting Warehouse.

Visit the website here lightingwarehouse.co.za

1. Turner solar table lights by Mooni
Available in white or black
How it works: Simply place the “Turner” outside on its head allowing the solar panel to absorb sunlight and charge the batteries. When turned over at night it emits a glowing light.

2. Solar home light
How it works: Comprising a 10 piece LED globe with a 5-metre cable attached to a solar panel. It can last for four to six hours on a full charge.

3. Chochin solar lantern range by Mooni
Available in red, blue, white, black, yellow and magenta
How it works: Leave the lantern outside during the day with the solar panel exposed to full sun. It’ll be charged at night.

4. Solar lantern, desk lamp and emergency light
How it works: This three-in-one light has a built in battery that can be charged by the included solar panel or electricity. The light has x40 LEDs and can be used as a study light, camping lantern or as an emergency light when the power fails. We love the fact that it comes with a USB port to charge electronic devices.

5. Emergency LED globe (4watt)

How it works: This multi-tasking emergency globe has three main functions. Use it as an energy saving LED globe in an E27 (Edison screw) fitting that will light up automatically when the power fails. The globe can also be used as an LED torch thanks to its retractable handle. Finally, it has an SOS (flash) setting – fantastic for outdoor trips or emergency situations.

*Please note, prices are available on the Lighting Warehouse website. Some products may not be available. 

KEEP READING: Live a zero waste lifestyle at home