The more electricity South African consumers can save by switching off non-essential appliances, or not switching them on, the fewer power outages there will be. Below are hints and tips to assist you in case of power outages.

Reduce Consumption and Conserve Electricity

• Turn on lights and air-conditioners in offices and venues when absolutely necessary. Turn off when unoccupied or not in use for extended periods.
• Assess your needs carefully and consciously. Lights do not have to be switched on in offices and areas with adequate natural light.
• Avoid the use of heaters ( dress to suit the weather). When purchasing heaters, procure those with a one hour timing device.
• Use natural ventilation where practically possible in preference to fans and air-conditioning.
• Close all doors and windows to keep air-conditioning inside.
• Purchase machinery and equipment with energy efficiency in mind.
• Minimise the use of hot water usage.
• Evaluate your needs carefully when purchasing water heating units. Consider alternatives, eg, a kettle instead of an urn.
• Report all suspected wastage to the Technical Services Department.
• Activate sleep mode on computers where possible.
• When computer is not in use for more than one hour, turn off monitor.
• Plan for optimal occupation on lecture venues.

What WILL be affected by power outages?

The following will not be available when the electricity supply to your home is switched off:

• Geyser and hot water supplies
• Cookers, electric kettles, microwave ovens and refrigerators
• Lights
• TV and Hi-Fi equipment
• Electrically motorised security gates and garage doors
• Pool pumps
• Personal computers
• Electric air conditioning
• Electric alarm clocks
• Household electric pumps for irrigation or plumbing systems
• Electrically operated ignition systems on certain gas appliances
• Automatic electronic control systems and time clocks

Switch it off:

If the power goes off, it is safer to simply turn off (or even better, disconnect) any electrical appliances that you were using. Keep one light switched 'on' to alert you when the power returns. Clearly mark on/off switches with a piece of masking tape. When the power comes back on, it may do so with a momentary surge, which can damage electronically controlled appliances such as computers, televisions sets, VCRs, DVDs, etc.

Remember to re-set time control clocks on cooking ovens, pool pumps, geysers and other automatically controlled appliances, unless these are battery operated. Also remember that householders are responsible for all electricity usage and appliances in their homes.

What will usually NOT be affected by power outages?

• Security systems that have battery back-up (some may go off due to the interruption)
• Telephones that are not reliant on mains electricity (answering and fax machines may however be affected).
• Cell phones

Useful tips to minimise inconvenience when the power is off:

Think about communication:

• Ensure that your cell phone is always fully charged when power is available.

Think about transport:

• Ensure that your vehicle (car, bakkie, motorcycle, etc) always has fuel in the tank since during power outages, petrol stations cannot pump fuel.

Think about cash:

• Ensure that you have adequate cash as auto tellers cannot operate without electricity.

Think about access, security and safety:

• Release automatic electric garage door mechanisms to allow you to gain access to your property during a power outage.
• Release electric security gates and switch to manual operation to avoid being either locked out of or into your home.
• Keep temporary lighting readily available, e.g. electric torches, candles, etc. Be sure to locate these items in places where they will be easy to find in the dark.
• Keep a torch (with fresh batteries) by your bedside at all times
• Obtain a small LP gas lamp, as they provide good quality lighting for a large area.

Think about keeping things cool and heating them up:

• Boil water and keep in thermos flasks for hot drinks for when the power is scheduled to be switched off.
• Use a thermal cover on tea pots and other pots and pans to keep hot drinks, and meals warm.
• Prepare meals beforehand in readiness for periods when there will be power cuts.
• Obtain a small stand-by bottled LP gas heating ring for essential cooking and to boil water for hot beverages.
• Keep adequate stocks of essential foodstuffs.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed, as a power outage of four hours should not cause food spoilage, and a freezer should keep frozen food safe for at least a day. It is a good idea to have alternative available snacks that do not need refrigeration.
• Most medication requiring refrigeration can be kept in a closed fridge for several hours without spoiling. To be sure about this, check with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Fill plastic containers with water (still leaving some space inside each container for expansion during freezing) in a deep-freeze or the freezer compartment of your fridge. This (frozen) water will help keep food cold during a power outage.