Studying for exams is stressful enough without the added weight of reviewing load shedding schedules. However, there are a few backup solutions that can relieve the pressure when power isn’t available.
stay connected
For uninterrupted WiFi at home, a small plug-and-play UPS like the RCT Megapack 80K AC UPS can make all the difference. No larger than a standard router, this UPS can power your modem during load shedding and quickly recharges when power is available. Our smartphones have become an extension of ourselves. They help us keep in touch with friends and family, find answers to a problem, and keep track of our load shedding plans. But after a while, a phone’s battery can degrade and that full charge won’t last. Now, after a few hours of checking news and social media, there’s less than 50% left in the tank. It might be time to replace your smartphone’s battery. This can easily be done at your nearest cell phone repair shop for under R1,000 depending on the make and model of your phone and can add a few more years to the life of your phone. A power bank is also a handy accessory for your phone’s battery and other devices such as Bluetooth headphones and emergency lights. They’re a great portable power solution to throw in a backpack and plug in on the go. The RCT Megapack 54K Power Bank is a great option and can even power a notebook for 8 hours (or an LED TV for 10 hours – for those study breaks).
Leave the light on
Winter has already arrived, the sun rises later and sets earlier. Load shedding is expected to increase further in the colder months and we will need as much light as we can get in the evenings. Luckily, rechargeable lamps have become a staple in South African homes, with more options than ever.
Most homes may have a collection of LED emergency lights ready to use at any time. The powerful beams from the cool white bulbs ensure any search and rescue team can spot you from a mile away – sometimes not the best option for a late night read before bed. If you’re looking for something a little less harsh on the eyes, there are more rechargeable lamps that look like desk lamps and bedside lamps as opposed to big bricks. Many also have multiple settings that allow you to switch between a cool white and warm light. Rechargeable light bulbs have also become more common, with both standard and downlight globes available online or at your nearest hardware store. Each bulb is equipped with a rechargeable battery that can provide light for a few hours with short load shedding distances.
Looking for more power?
Larger portable power solutions help keep more than just the lights on. You can charge multiple devices at the same time and keep going long after your load shedding block ends.
EcoFlow’s recently launched River 2 is a powerful load shedding companion. Equipped with LiFePO4 battery cells, the River 2 Portable Power Station can be fully charged in an hour – perfect for the short gaps between load shedding blocks. It can power up to 11 devices at once, including laptops, smartphones, a Wi-Fi router, computer monitor, and lamps. At 3.5 kg, it’s easy to take around the house or to a friend’s for a study group.
