The evening is planned, the food just went into the oven and then it goes dark – the frustration of load shedding.
Load shedding not only impacts our ability to do what we like; it can also damage electronic equipment, resulting in unfortunate insurance claims.
Because of load shedding, consumers are at a higher risk and may suffer damage to equipment brought on by power surges or loss of goods because of theft or burglary during blackouts. Consumers need to be proactive and speak to their broker or insurer to ensure they are adequately covered for the load shedding risks affecting them.
Coenraad De Jager, Executive for Personal Lines at Mutual & Federal, notes that consumers should never assume they are adequately covered as the basic cover might not include specific risks related to load shedding.
“We are finding that consumers are generally unaware of what their cover includes or excludes; in some instances, additional cover may be required. In the case of load shedding, for example, the battery of the alarm system plays a major role and policyholders should ensure that their alarm system’s batteries are tested regularly to ensure that maximum protection is provided. Also, load shedding can dramatically reduce the lifespan of an alarm battery and, should the battery be older than one year, consumers should make the necessary arrangements to either replace or check the battery,” said De Jager.
When consumers are underinsured for certain load shedding risks and have not taken the necessary safety precautions, it could lead to further frustration when an insurance company is unable to settle a claim.
“When the load shedding period ends and electricity has returned, in most cases a power surge occurs due to a boost in the electrical charge in the power lines, increasing the current flow of electricity to the wall outlet. As a result, appliances and other electronic devices in households might short-circuit or malfunction. It’s therefore crucial for consumers to check the extent of their cover in respect of power surge incidents to ensure that they are adequately covered,” added De Jager.
De Jager advises that there are simple steps to take that may have lasting consequences with regard to load shedding risks.
“Simple steps such as unplugging appliances not in use to minimise the chances of damage; installing surge protectors to prevent power surge damage; keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep frozen food safe from spoilage; regularly testing your alarm system; ensuring that electric fencing and gates still work during a blackout, or requesting more regular patrols and checks from your security company; go a long way in ensuring minimum exposure to load shedding risks,” he said.
Load shedding is a very real prospect for the foreseeable future. Consumers must ensure they and their loved ones are adequately covered for all the risks and are taking the right steps to safeguard their households.
