Load shedding has always been a problem in Pakistan, things have got better but still a way to go. While it’s true that ending load shedding altogether is a systemic issue, there are still smart, practical steps one can take to minimize its effects on life. It’s possible to maintain a more stable and productive lifestyle even with limited financial means, if you plan things smartly. For middle-class families with limited income, the regular power outages can disrupt daily life, and can cause a lot of problems. High class families have the means to overcome load shedding problems with generators, solar or UPS, but for middle class families it is still difficult. Let’s look at some affordable ways that low-income families can reduce the impact of load shedding in Pakistan
1. Use only Energy-Efficient Appliances
Now many energy efficient appliances are available in the market, using energy-efficient devices helps reduce the electricity bill and lowers your overall energy consumption.
- You can use LED lights now, instead of using tube lights.
- Use DC (Direct Current) fans, which work efficiently with low power and even on battery backups.
- Unplug unused devices to prevent “phantom load” (energy consumed by electronics while they are turned off).
2. Invest in a Small Solar Power Setup
While full solar systems are still expensive and not in the reach of all families, the small-scale solar kits are now becoming affordable, that can be of real help:
- 1 to 3Kva solar system with a battery can power fans, lights, and small things. Invest in a small solar system.
- Go for solar financing if you cannot afford even a 3Kva system.
3. Use UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)
UPS systems used to be expensive but now they are much more affordable. A UPS system is common in many middle-class homes in Pakistan. To make it more effective:
- Connect only essential items like lights and one fan.
- Do not use heavy appliances on UPS.
- Take care of batteries
4. Use Low-Power Devices
If you have means switch to alternatives that don’t rely on electricity:
- Rechargeable LED bulbs.
- Portable solar-powered fans
- Gas stoves
It is obvious that it is not possible to control load shedding but you can still minimize its effect on your life, these tips can be really helpful for you if you are looking for the ways to get rid of load shedding in Pakistan, I understand it is tough for middle class families to invest in expensive large solar systems with batteries but there are many possible things one can do to reduce the load shedding impacts, things are getting better with time, let’s hope the load shedding problem all end soon.
