Tips to get back to basics and keep the lights on during load shedding

As if Eskom boss André de Ruyter’s sudden resignation and ongoing load shedding wasn’t enough, storms earlier this week left hundreds of households powerless across Gauteng.

Residents in affected areas have reported being without power for more than 100 hours after devastating floods hit parts of the west of Johannesburg.

Earlier this week, Eskom announced stage 5 until further notice due to unusually high demand and breakdowns and Koeberg Unit 1 being taken offline for routine maintenance.

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The added power cuts have pushed residents to return to basics with simple hacks to soften the load-shedding blow.

Tips for load shedding

Ronelle Munru, who calls herself the “annoying Facebook lady”, eagerly shares tips to ease through load shedding.

Munru said she started researching alternatives to power, following the power cuts.

“I look for alternatives to help people through load shedding and share it on the Facebook community groups,” she said.

Munru posted load shedding tips like filling 2-litre bottles with water to freeze to help keep the freezers cold when the power goes off.

She said milk containers and dry ice could be used in the freezer.

“You can even make use of Ziplock bags to save space. If you keep the fridge shut you can keep your frozen food cold or frozen for longer,” she said.

Munru said if solar power was too expensive, residents could opt for cheaper alternatives.

“Outside solar lights work like a bomb and can be bought for as cheap as R37.

“Solar lamps, rechargeable globes and solar backpacks all help take off the pressure,” she said.

Munru said broken items, such as irons, could be reused on gas stoves or coal when the power was out.

“Wait until you see the wonder bag. It’s a great way of cooking and you can make your own one,” she added.

Backup options

Leleti Maluleke, climate change and human security researcher at Good Governance Africa, said the only option was to have a backup.

“That is either getting a generator or battery storage.

“These two are a must-have to keep devices charged and your lights on,” she said.

Maluleke said solar was the ultimate alternative.

“Having the whole house solar grid might be expensive but you can have certain things solar, such as solar geysers or solar lights.

“Get a gas stove, it’s a great solution,” she said.

Maluleke said residents should plan according to the Eskom load-shedding schedule to charge their devices before the load shedding hits.

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