The Joy of Load Shedding
In America, we’re somewhat familiar with rolling blackouts…or at least we’ve heard the term. They happen whenever the power grid is overloaded, typically during extremely hot weather. Last year, rolling blackouts hit multiple areas of the US during the hot summer months.
In the states, it’s seen as a failure of the municipal utilities to keep up with power demand.
Here in South Africa, though…it’s seen as just a normal part of life…and a source of endless jokes and memes.
Load Shedding
Just another Sunday night in South Africa.
#VoetsekEskom
Granted, it’s a pain, but there’s really not a whole lot anyone can do about it.
The utility that oversees all electricity distribution is state run Eskom. Now, most people here pre-pay for electricity and one would think that would mean you’d be able to use what you’ve already paid for.
Well, you can… if Eskom decides to deliver.
Now that summer is coming, Eskom is already warning of the “worst bout of loadshedding in Eskom’s 97 year history”.
I’ve been here just over two months and we’ve seen multiple weeks in Stage 4, meaning we’re without power for 2 hours at a time, 3 times a day.
(FYI… there are 8 stages so far, and Stage 8 is load shedding 3 times a day for 4 hours at a time meaning it’s possible to have electricity for less than half a day)
Here’s some things I’ve learned and some helpful hints for surviving the inevitable Load Shedding
Head Torch - Yes, you’ll look like a complete dork, but do you really want to stumble around a dark house, or worse, drain your cell phone’s battery by using it as a flashlight?
Charge Your Cell Phone - Granted, it’ll be about useless because load shedding takes out the cell towers as well, but at least if it’s charged you’ll get the joy of eleventy billion notifications once power is restored.
Board Games - Learn to love them. Find ones you enjoy that you can do by head torch or candlelight. We’ve learned to love Scrabble and Cribbage.
Books and Crossword Puzzles - Same reason as #3, just with less human interaction.
Plan your meals accordingly - There’s nothing quite as frustrating as planning for dinner and poof, no power. Evening Load Shedding tends to happen at prime dinner time.
Learn to braai - Seriously. This will save your sanity. Then you won’t have to worry about load shedding screwing up your meal.
Stay home - When load shedding hits, the robots (street lights) go out as well. Driving in SA is insane at the best of times, but when there’s no rules… Welcome to the Thunderdome.
Go Out To A Wine Farm - Ok, so I know this violates #7, but if load shedding hits during the day, why not brave the roads and go out to one of the wine farms and soothe your soul with some of South Africa’s finest wines?
Go Hiking - South Africa is a beautiful country…so why not explore it instead of sulking at home grumbling at Eskom?
Download the EskomSePush app - Eskom institutes, upgrades, and downgrades load shedding often at a moment’s notice. This app will keep you up to date…and serves as a source of frustration.
Brought to you from the good folks at Eskom
(From the 12 Unique Things post… now I know what these are for!)
For all the jokes and frustration that load shedding brings, it’s really not that bad. You do learn to work around it and it’s a great opportunity to spend some quality time with those you love. Plus, having to use candles to see, there’s no excuse for not making dinner a romantic time.
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