Loadshedding
It’s better to light a candle,
than curse the darkness –
African proverb
We learned to deal with power cuts living in Zambia. They were frequent. We had a constant supply of candles and a charcoal brazier that we could cook on. Do you get power cuts where you are?
In Kenya the power outages were too frequent. We lost the entire contents of our fridge once, due to an overnight power cut. You learn. After that we had large ice blocks frozen and ready to use at all times, UHT everything (apart from cheese), and battery powered emergency lighting.
In Indonesia there were some infrequent power cuts but that was tough because of the humidity. For many, life was lived indoors there, in air conditioning or with electric fans. Without that, it felt like you were living in a bowl of soup!
All along we have seen no point in complaining. It won’t change a thing. You just get on with it.
Here in South Africa we are dealing with more power cuts. It’s being called ‘load shedding’, something that started several years ago, “a measure of last resort, to prevent the collapse of the power system country-wide” (Eskom, the electricity public utility in SA). It’s forcing the entire nation to slow down for a few hours each day.
We can see scheduled load shedding times online (when there’s power), planned ‘outages’. But we’re also told that at ‘stage 4’, the power can go out at any time.
It is without doubt an inconvenience.
But I’m mindful that there are many people who live in rural parts of SA and many other countries, who live without power all the time. So let’s quit complaining.
There are others who might be adversely affected, ones relying on power for medical treatment/equipment, or people who live alone. It might be very scary for them. This could be a good time to reach out to someone who lives alone and might need particular supplies, or just a bit of company.
But for many of us, it might just be an opportunity to slow down and take stock. Do we really need to use as much electricity as we do? I know people who have the TV on for background noise. They are not even watching. Turn it off!
Maybe sitting here in the darkness, we can see the light. We all want our creature comforts, sure. But perhaps we take it all for granted at times and rely on it too much. Are there a few things that we could do differently?
For us, load shedding started having an effect last weekend. We were watching the 6 Nations rugby at our local pub. We missed the second half, due to the power cut. We headed home and set up a fire pit. We sat watching the flames and talked our way through the power cut.
Last night we opted for a long walk in the vlei. We walked up to some of the large trees that were badly burned in the bush fires two years ago. We watched the sun set over Elsie’s Peak.
Tonight our load shedding plans involved some cream liquer over ice and two comfy camp chairs. It’s not a train smash. Just make a plan.
People across the country have taken to social media, sharing photos of how they are managing their life without electricity. Some complain but many can see a few positives.
Time away from screens and devices can mean more time with the people in our lives. You hear people talking about ‘disconnecting to reconnect’ all the time. Well, here’s your chance.
How do you handle a power cut?
© Maggie M/Mother City Time