We’ve all heard rumours of energy shortages and potential blackouts. Some countries have experienced more than others, but it’s certainly something we should all consider. Add to that the changing climate’s effects on our fragile electricity network, and preparing properly for them doesn’t sound like such a bad idea.
One factor we don’t often consider regarding blackouts is the financial costs involved—both for businesses and homeowners. Small businesses can lose up to £800 per hour during a blackout, while larger companies could take a hit of around £8,000. Residential costs can vary enormously, from absolute zero if you’re lucky to over £20,000 if you’re not. Here’s how to minimise these costs.
Preparing
The worst thing you can do is be unprepared. There’s been a lot of talk recently about scheduled blackouts to ease the burden on the electricity systems. While they never really arrived in the UK as the doomsayers predicted, it’s become painfully familiar in South Africa, where many average mums are having to learn how to prepare for load shedding.
This practice could become more common worldwide unless substantial changes occur soon. Whether we like it or not, load shedding could soon become a reality for UK citizens.
Investing in an off-grid power solution is the best way to prepare for this. These backup power options come in all sizes and capacities with a wide-ranging cost. Find what you need to keep the electricity flowing for a few hours and have it charged and ready to use.
Turn Everything Off
It may sound nonsensical, but when the power goes out, you need to go around your house, turn off every electrical appliance, and unplug, except for a single light where you are.
A power surge is caused by a sudden rush of electricity, often after a blackout, which can damage appliances still plugged in. Don’t take the risk and unplug.
Think Food
Fridges and freezers crammed with delicious food are always a pleasant sight until the lights go out. Food will remain OK for around 4 hours in the refrigerator and about 48 hours in the freezer. Any longer, and it might be time to take action. Consider putting ice cubes over food that will spoil in the fridge and use up the food that will go off the quickest first. If you think cooking in a blackout is all about cold baked beans, think again; plenty of delicious no-cook recipes don’t require electricity.
Stay Savvy
Minimising the effects of a blackout is all about planning well and putting good practices into effect when it happens—it’s about staying savvy. Purchasing a backup energy source makes a lot of sense as it’s great to have something you can rely on, especially with children or older people nearby.
Chances are the blackout won’t last too long and can be somewhat of a novelty if handled correctly. So when it happens, take care of what you need to, then sit back and enjoy fun blackout activities with the kids.