Winter is on the way and, as electricity consumption spikes in the colder months, loadshedding periods typically become longer and more frequent. This is why now is the perfect time to prep for what could be a bumper edition of power cuts. This way, you can beat the upcoming chill, don’t have to sit in the dark or go without life-enhancing essentials like that morning cup of coffee.

Light up your life 

Candles are romantic but impractical. The best way to keep your household lit up is to invest in rechargeable lanterns and headlamps that can stave off the dark without  setting fire to your curtains. You could also consider solar-powered lights for outdoor areas like the footpath from your gate to your door. You might also want to keep a good old-fashioned torch in key areas like next to your bed or in your car. Charge all your lighting devices well in advance and stock up on batteries so you don’t have to worry about being left in the dark during a surprise loadshedding schedule change.

 

Beat the cold

 

Blankets are your best friends and draft-proofing is crucial so seal gaps around doors and windows with weather strips or even old towels. Another way to keep warm is with a gas heater. The most common in South African households are the three panel type that run on a 9kg canister of gas. These cost around R300 to fill and serve up an average of 30 hours of heat. To save on gas, our top tip is to run the gas heater on the high setting to heat up the room then reduce it to the lowest setting once you’re feeling toasty.

 

Cook come what may  

A gas stove is a loadshedding hero but not everyone can afford to make the switch. If you’re wanting to save but still need a solution, a portable gas stove is the golden ticket and can be found in most supermarkets for under R300. It’s a great way to ensure you don’t have to forgo hot drinks and warm meals, assuming you shop accordingly. Instead of filling your freezer with microwave meals that become useless without electricity, make a point of keeping the kind of ingredients on hand to create a delicious one-pot meal that’s easy to whip up on gas. We found some great recipes to inspire you here.

 

Keep connected 

 

If you work from home and simply can’t be without Wi-Fi, investing in a UPS is the most convenient way to remain connected to the web. You can also keep your smartphone juiced up with a powerbank. But what about your laptop? There once was a time where powerbanks that could keep your laptop going were hard to find but now, thanks to increasing demand, they’re easy to find with a quick google and can help you power through those final hours of loadshedding when your laptop battery dies.

Get the ultimate insurance

The great thing about being prepared is that you can continue with peace of mind, regardless of what the loadshedding schedule has in store. It’s a lot like having life insurance. You’ll pay a low monthly premium and, should you pass away, your loved ones will receive a lump sum payout. This way, you’ve created a financial safety net for your family and can navigate an uncertain world with greater confidence knowing that, come what may, your family will be prepared.

Did You Know:

You can now take out life cover with us online in a few simple steps. No calls and no agents! Make sure to take care of those you love today by buying MiWayLife cover online.