Load shedding, the bane of most South Africans’ existence, has become a daily reality that we’ve all had to learn to deal with. And with the current power crisis showing no signs of abating, SMEs are among the hardest hit. Unlike larger corporations, these businesses have limited resources and are therefore more vulnerable to the impacts of regular electricity cuts, which can lead to lost productivity and revenue, and unhappy customers.
So, what can South African SMEs do to cope with this challenging situation? Here are a few simple tech tools and strategies you can implement to weather the storm and continue to operate smoothly when load shedding strikes.
Plan for the worst
The first step to dealing with load shedding is to have a plan. As the saying goes, failing to plan is planning to fail. You need to have a clear strategy in place that outlines how your business will operate during power cuts. This plan should include everything from back-up power sources to contingency plans for staff who may struggle to get to work due to travel disruptions.
To effectively prepare for load shedding, it’s crucial to know when it will occur. This makes load shedding forecasts a critical component of any power outage plan. You can plan your business’s activities accordingly with the help of tools like the mobile app EskomSePush, which provides regular updates on the latest load shedding schedules.
Invest in a power bank or generator
One of the most obvious solutions to load shedding is to have back-up power. While power banks are an inexpensive and easily portable option for charging cell phones and small electronics, they don’t have the capacity to power larger equipment like computers or servers. So, if your business requires a more substantial power supply, and you have the budget, a generator can provide a reliable source of electricity.
Generators come in various sizes, and you can choose one that fits your business’s specific needs. When choosing a generator, it’s important to consider the fuel source, as well as the cost of fuel and maintenance. Generators require a certain amount of maintenance to keep them running, and it’s important to have them serviced regularly to ensure they work properly when you need them most.
Consider Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS)
An Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) is a battery backup that can power your essential systems and equipment for a few hours, depending on the size of the battery and it can be set up to automatically switch over to battery power during a power cut. The cost of a UPS can vary depending on the capacity and features, but it is a worthwhile investment for businesses that rely on electronic devices and networks. With a UPS in place, your business can continue to work during load shedding, ensuring that you meet your deadlines and keep your customers happy.
Go solar
Solar power is a great alternative to traditional electricity, and it’s becoming more and more affordable every year. By installing solar panels on your business’s roof, you can generate your own electricity and reduce your reliance on the national power grid. This is a great solution for SMEs that have high energy demands, as solar power can be used to power everything from lights to air conditioning.
Use cloud-based services
One of the biggest advantages of cloud-based services is that they’re not dependent on your local infrastructure. As long as you have an internet connection, you can access your data and applications from anywhere in the world and even on a mobile device – allowing you to continue to work remotely during load shedding hours.
Communicate with customers and suppliers
Lastly, it’s important to communicate with your customers and suppliers to keep them informed about any delays or disruptions as a result of power outages. This can involve sending out regular updates via email or social media, or even setting up a dedicated phone line to handle load shedding-related inquiries. It’s also crucial to maintain good relationships with your suppliers, as they may be experiencing similar challenges during load shedding.
Final thoughts
Unfortunately, load shedding is here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future. The loss of productivity and revenue can be devastating for SMEs that are already operating on tight margins. However, with a solid plan and the right tools in place, your business can adapt and survive, even in the face of load shedding.
Business funding can be a vital source of support for your small business to obtain the capital you need to invest in these tech tools and strategies to help you stay afloat during load shedding.
At Sourcefin, we believe in forging long-lasting business relationships with our partners to achieve growth, rather than simply providing once-off funding. Our goal is to work together with you to scale and succeed in the long term. Contact us to learn more.
