Comprehensive & practical tips about load shedding.
Load Shedding
Top 10 Tips
1. Print this list and use it as an action list tonight.
For Safety:
2. Switch off your stove during load shedding to avoid the risk of a fire
3. Unplug (not just switch off) all electrical appliances that generate heat, such as all hair equipment, heaters, microwave, etc.
4. Avoid candles and paraffin lamps, rather use rechargeable or windup low consumption lamps. (More ...)
For convenience:
5. Place torches in specific places and make sure they have fresh batteries or fully charged or wound up depending on their power source.
6. Print this page, use it as an action list tonight and pass it on to your friends and family. (More ...)
For Power Saving:
7. Switch off your geyser during the times you don't use it and only on about 3 hours before you need it.
For most people it can be switched off from 06:00 - 21:00. An Electrician can install a time switch, otherwise set a daily alarm.
8. Heat your bed instead of your room. An electric blanket uses less than 5% power of a conventional heater.
9. Change normal incandescent globes to energy saving globes, even if it is one at a time (More ...)
To Do when the power is off:
10. Take time to rest from our so often rushed lives, read a book or take up an overdue conversation with someone
Switch your stove off at the wall to make absolutely sure nothing starts heating when the power returns.
Do not leave any candles burning in the house when going to sleep.
Unplug all unnecessary appliances to avoid them turning on after the power returns, especially heating equipment such as heaters, kettles, hair dryers, microwave, etc. Appliances can easily unknowingly be switched on while the power is off . Keep one light switched on to tell when the power returns.
Make sure every candle used has a proper tray and stands steady.
Do not place candles close to a draft.
Avoid candles if possible and rather use rechargeable or windup lights.
Get a small flashlight for your keys and always place our keys where you can find them in the dark.
If you have an electric gate of garage door, make sure it has a battery back-up to allow you in the premises if the power goes off.
Some cordless phones don't work without power, make sure you have another simple phone that works without power.
Make sure you have a fire extinguisher and that everybody knows where it is and that it is operational.
Know your emergency numbers and save them to your cell phone. 10111 or 10177 Ambulance
Security - Most alarm systems and
automatic gates are already supplied with a backup battery. One will have to determine
whether the batteries are still in good condition, and how long it will supply
power to the system if the electricity is off for periods longer than two
hours. As a rule, automatic garage doors do not have similar backup systems and
problems may arise if one does not have other access routes to the home. There
are however uninterrupted power supplies (UPS) available that could be
installed here. One would have to ensure that the receiver of the radio signal
also receives power from that point.
Regard all power points as alive, since the power can come on any moment.
Switch off your geyser off during the times you don't use it and only on about 3 hours before you need it. For most people it can be switched off from 06:00 - 21:00. Ask an Electrician to install a time switch or set a daily alarm.
Get a geyser blanket or even use old blankets or newspapers to wrap around it, it will help retain the heat longer.
Shower instead if bath, it uses less warm water.
Use full loads in equipment in your washing machine or dishwasher.
Lower the geyser thermostats to max 60°C or even 55°C in summer.
Sun-dry washing instead of using a tumble dryer. Put linen and towels in the dryer just before it is completely dry to get them fluffy.
Switch off the lights and air conditioners at work for the night.
Decide what you want from the fridge or freezer before you open it to reduce the loss of cold air while the door is open.
Change all light globes to Compact Fluorescent Globes (aka Energy Saver Globes). They are more expensive to buy, but lasts longer and consumes much 80% less power. You save on your electricity bill. If you replace one, you'll already start saving. Keep in mind CFL globes takes a few minutes to reach its full strength.
If your area supplies gas, consider converting to gas for cooking and water heating.
Don't waste water as cleaning and pumping water consumes electricity.
Plug-in
air-fresheners constantly use electricity. Rather use aromatic oils and place a few drops in a small dish of water. It
works just as good.
Turn
off the lights when you walk out a room and turn
off unnecessary lights. It saves power and creates a general consciousness to save energy.
Use the tumbledryer only once the laundry is dry or almost dry to soften towels and linen.
Keep your refrigerator at the correct temperature level. Food is spoiled if the temperature is either too cold or warm.
Defrosting
food in the microwave consumes more power than allowing food to defrost in the fridge or on the counter.
Use
a toaster instead of the oven to make toast - it uses less electricity.
Only use a heater if you have to, rather put on another jersey or blanket to avoid
using a heater. Have blankets in the TV room for viewers.
If your heater uses a great deal of
power it may be worth buying a new energy efficient heater - it will save on the electricity bill.
Use a gas heater instead of an electric
heater.
Heat your bed instead of your room. Electric blankets uses less than 5% of conventional heaters. Turn it off when you get into bed for safety sake.
Keep doors and windows closed to avoid energy loss. Also use seals to plug gaps around doors and windows
Insulate your ceiling to avoid heat loss through the roof
Avoid using electric underfloor heating. It uses
masses of electricity.
Installing
movement sensor lamps.
Closing windows
and doors .
Switching off
heaters.
Not overheating
rooms.
For security lighting fit a sensor lamp or a day/night lamp that switches on at night and off during the day.
Install a solar water heater.
Turn the pool pump off during peak hours. Most medium size pools only need the pump on for two - three hours a day. Install a timer.
Cook before the power goes off and keep the food warm in
thermal containers in the oven if the containers allows it.
Use a gas camping stove for cooking.
Alternative electricity:
- Petrol of diesel generators work well, but they still consume costly fuel and are noisy. Preferable to have them fitted by an Electrician
-
Electric storage facility that stores power in batteries that are either
charged by electricity or by solar panels.
Fuel - Make sure your vehicles and gas bottles are not close to empty. and these supplies in your area will also be affected by the load shedding.
Emergency supplies - When the national power network is unstable it could break down for a number of days. Make sure to have unperishable food and water for at least 5 days for your family. You may want to have more to share with friends & family.
Cordless telephones phones - Take the old Telkom instrument
use it in the event of a power failure as it does not require power.
Check that it is indeed load shedding that caused the lack of power and not a real fault or an unpaid account.
Ensure that your cell phone is always fully charged when power is available.
Make sure you have sufficient cash as auto tellers cannot operate without
electricity.
Keep temporary lighting readily available, such as torches, candles,
etc. Place these items where they will be easy to find in
the dark.
Keep a reliable torch with fresh batteries by your bedside at all times.
Get a small gas lamp, as they provide good quality lighting for a large
area.
Boil water and keep in thermos flasks for hot drinks for when the power is
scheduled to be switched off.
Try keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed, during power outages and rather use alternative snacks.
Fill plastic containers with water (still leaving some space inside each container for expansion during freezing) in the freezer. Before the power outage place the frozen water in the fridge - it will keep the fridge cold for longer.
