Whether we like it or not (and the broad consensus is that we don’t), load shedding is here to stay for the foreseeable future.
Eskom’s own maintenance and load-shedding risk forecasts for the next few months predict that load shedding will likely remain through 2023. But other than groaning in frustration, what can we do?
Well, many consumers are choosing to adapt – and technology is one of the best ways to mitigate how load shedding impacts you.
You don’t need an entire off-grid system
While some people and businesses have opted to outfit their premises with alternative power solutions, the reality is that the average consumer and hybrid worker cannot afford this.
The appeal of being able to run all your devices and continue as if there’s no load shedding is definitely tempting.
But with a slowing economy and increasing prices, outfitting your entire house or office with an off-grid solution isn’t a prospect most people can entertain. So what solutions are there that are affordable, convenient and help reduce your load-shedding headaches?
The benefits of a mini UPS
One of the most convenient and affordable solutions is the mini uninterruptable power supply (UPS). Not only is the learning curve effortless, but these devices have various useful features.
The Gizzu 30W Mini DC UPS, for example, is a compact device that can power your router and optical network unit. You can also use it to charge your devices like smartphones.
But this type of mini UPS also has other benefits. Thanks to its over-charge and short circuit protection, you don’t have to worry about power surges causing damage to your connected devices.
Devices like these bring you the benefits of a UPS at a more affordable price point, with minimal setup needed from the user. And if you need to power more devices for longer, Gizzu offers mini UPS devices up to 100W with 46Wh batteries.
Bringing the power station to you
When it comes to powering a desktop or essential appliances, something more robust than a mini UPS is needed. This is where the portable power station comes in.
These devices save you from the hassle and labour of connecting petrol generators or car batteries to inverters to power your devices.
Rather, they offer an all-in-one solution that is user-friendly. The inclusion of lithium-ion batteries in devices like the Gizzu Portable Power Station (GPS) also means that you don’t have to worry about the battery degrading when discharging – a concern that comes with lead-acid batteries.
The GPS range comes with high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, a carry handle, LED indicators, and a rugged but compact design. This means you don’t have to cart around a trolley of multiple devices and batteries – and you can even take the power station with you when travelling.
Multiple inputs and outputs give you flexibility, letting you charge the power station with a traditional power point, or letting you use your car or optional solar panels to charge the device instead. These power stations from Gizzu range from the entry-level 155Wh GPS to the powerhouse 518Wh option.
Your capacity will depend on how many devices you want to power and how long. For example, if you have a 50W laptop, the Gizzu 518Wh Portable Power Station can charge it for up to 10 hours. For a 42-inch 100W LED TV, you’re looking at 5 hours of estimated runtime.
Soothe your load-shedding headaches
Load-shedding power solutions have become more advanced, more user-friendly, and more compact over the years. While some solutions remain out of the budget of the average consumer, portable solutions like those provided by Gizzu can reduce your load-shedding woes. If you’re ready to adapt to load shedding, make sure to check out the mini UPS options and portable power stations we’ve mentioned.
Box out: Bringing power to your car
Gizzu doesn’t only offer power solutions for your home, but also for your car.
The Gizzu 1000A Jump Starter acts as both a 10,400mAh power bank and an emergency jump starter for your car battery. The compact device can jump-start petrol engines up to 5 litres and diesel engines up to 3 litres.
It also includes Smart Protection technology to help prevent damage to your car battery. Rather than worrying about a flat car battery emergency, you can store the small device in its included carry case and travel with that extra peace of mind.