The shift of seasons from summer to winter being signaled by erratic power cuts, is something we have all grown accustomed to.
However, even as they are a common winter season feature, winter blackouts can be a trying experience at the time we need electricity the most.
Power utility companies record a significant spike in energy consumption each winter because people tend to stay indoors more to keep warm and the use of electric devices and appliances such as heaters, electric blankets, and geysers is high during this time. However, often this increased demand for electricity can’t be met as power supply utilities can’t cope with the demand. In Zimbabwe, for starters, maximum electricity demand reaches more or less 1800 MW in winter and this figure is against a total generating capacity of between 1350MW and 1400MW. This is bound to culminate in load shedding.
People finding themselves enduring back-to-back power cuts during winter brings us to the conclusion that there is something about extreme weather conditions that leads to load shedding. There is
a range in which the components of an electrical system operate best. If temperatures get too high or too low, or humidity levels get too high, the electrical grid system will not be able to function in an optimum fashion which subsequently leads to power outages.
Winter weather often comes with violent winds as well which can bring down power lines causing sudden power outages. The winds could be harnessed to power wind turbines. While it costs an arm to install a small wind electric system or solar system at your home, there will be benefits when winter approaches.
The likelihood of an outage during winter is very high. It is a given. To avoid frustration with power outages during this season, wind or solar power, and other sources of energy could be used to generate more electricity to power home appliances and other things.
Using gas for cooking and gas or solar geysers not only relieves pressure on the grid. It’s reliable and ensures you can always have a hot meal and a hot shower in the colder months – even if you’re experiencing a power cut.
Text by Farai Chaka