South Africa is in the grip of an energy crisis that has led to unstable load shedding. The reality is that new schedules are being planned and the situation can deteriorate quickly. This is why we need to be prepared for any eventuality. Earlier this winter it was not uncommon for households to go eleven and a half hours without electricity and some experts believe that long periods of load shedding could return in August. Before power cuts escalate to unprecedented levels, South Africans need to prepare themselves and explore reliable solutions. Portable power stations (PPSs) are one of the best ways to escape the load-shedding blues, and investing in one could be the perfect way to prepare for the next few winters. 

Power For All You Need, Whenever, Wherever

Load shedding is no longer a threat; it is an inevitability. So, what can we do to prepare for it? While there are several options for alternate sources of power, portable power stations are the most cost-effective and convenient.

With several different suppliers on the market, knowing which PPSs to choose can be tricky, but as with anything, the rule of thumb is always to go with a trusted name. With more than 2.5 million users in 100 countries, it does not get more trustworthy than EcoFlow.

PPSs like the EcoFlow range can be taken anywhere thanks to their lightweight, compact, and plug-in-play design, which requires minimal set-up. This makes them simple to use for anyone.

With X-Stream patented technology, they have lightning-fast charge times and can go from 0-100% in one hour. This is about 5x faster than the industry average speed. Meanwhile, its LFP batteries promise up to 10 years of use. Given that load shedding will last for years, investing in an EcoFlow portable power station is the one way to ensure that your energy options outlast load shedding. 

How To Have Warm Winter Nights

Without power, it can go from being chilly to downright freezing in the blink of an eye, so make sure to get yourself a small electric heater. With an EcoFlow RIVER 2 and RIVER 2 Max PPS on hand, you will be able to run your heater when all the other lights go out and the cold begins to creep in.

With a capacity of 256Wh, and a rated output of 300W (X-boost 600W), the EcoFlow RIVER 2 is perfect for entry-level users. It can comfortably power a 10W lightbulb for 8-20 hours or charge your smartphone 19 times in one cycle, while RIVER 2 Max doubles that. Most importantly, the 30ms auto switch-over mode means that you will barely notice when the power goes out and it kicks in.

If you want to make it through multiple four-and-a-half-hour blocks, you will need the flagship DELTA 2. With an expandable capacity from 1 to 3kWh and 1800W rated output (X-boost 2400W), DELTA 2 can run a 120W electric blanket for 7-14 hours, giving you overnight warmth.

Keep Boredom At Bay

Idle hands are never a good thing and sitting in the dark twiddling your thumbs is a sure-fire way to go stir crazy. Make sure you have something to do and shows downloaded on your devices. Another option is to bulk up your EcoFlow portable power station.

Worrying about multiple load shedding blocks can soon be a thing of the past. Thanks to X-Stream Technology, the EcoFlow RIVER 2 and RIVER 2 Max take merely 60 minutes to get fully powered for another bout of load shedding.

EcoFlow PPSs are equipped with multiple types of ports to power various electronic devices simultaneously. The RIVER 2 can charge up to 5 devices, and the DELTA 2 could comfortably power your laptop and 12 other devices like your Wi-Fi router, phone, TV, and game console simultaneously in stage 8 load shedding. With the power on, you can banish boredom from your home for good!

The Grid Is Off? Let Green Power Support

You don't have to be haunted by the coldness in the dark. Fortunately, EcoFlow battery-powered generators feature several different ways to charge. Apart from the quick charge through a wall socket, EcoFlow power stations are also compatible with solar panel attachments and some car chargers. Using this method, you'll be fully charged again in as little as 3 hours. What's more, unlike petrol or diesel generators, these portable power stations generate green energy and make minimal noise, making them the perfect power companion for your family.

Load shedding is no longer a temporary inconvenience but a persistent challenge that requires a proactive response. The saying "hope for the best, prepare for the worst" has never been truer than it is right now, and with the RIVER 2, RIVER 2 Max or DELTA 2, you will be prepared for the next 10 winters thanks to the 3,000-cycle battery life!

For more load shedding hacks, click here and see how you can keep your lights on.