When the power goes out, business across South Africa is compromised and obliged to switch over to generators and Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS). While that keeps the computers going, the printers typically don't enjoy any such luck – that is, of course, unless they are Riso Comcolor devices.

The ultra-low power consumption of these machines means they will continue to run on UPS where no other printers can.

Sonia Anderson, marketing manager at Riso Africa says power consumption has again moved to the top of mind for companies across the country. "The possibility of rolling blackouts for up to 5 years as the country waits for new generation capacity to come on line is a very distinct possibility. That means every business should be looking for ways to reduce their electricity consumption, particularly if they are running off generators or UPS."

Most printers, continues Anderson, cannot run on a UPS as they draw too much amperage for heat-centric imaging processes. Riso's Comcolor range is unique in its heatless printing process, allowing the machines to switch to UPS and continue producing output. "It's a backup plan for rolling blackouts which ensures that business processes which incorporate printing aren't interrupted when the electricity supply goes down," she notes.

The versatile Comcolor range prints at speeds of up to 180 pages per minute, in A4 and A3 formats; while eco-friendly and frugal on power consumption, they don't comprise on performance. Other environmental features include Energy STAR rating and ISO14001 Environmental Management certification, while Riso uses soy-based inks, recycled banana leaf fibres in its construction and has zero toner or ozone emissions.

Riso has a reputation for innovative, eco-friendly solutions. Some two years ago, it introduced the Risolar power base which fits into the base of its duplicators. Ideal for the African education market, the self-contained solar powered pedestal gives off-the-grid schools the ability to perform a function essential for learning. "In rural areas where there is no access to the grid, or even in cities where power supply is erratic, Risolar provides the ability for schools to roll off copies at 90 pages per minute using nothing but the energy of the sun," Anderson explains.

Again, it is the heatless technology in Riso's duplicators which is at the heart of the solution; the machines draw roughly the power required by a standard lightbulb for their operation. "According to the Department of Education, there are some 3500 schools which don't have access to electricity. There are a great many more which have erratic power supply; for these schools, the ability to put in place a solution to provide children with copies is a big boost to their ability to teach effectively," Anderson says.

She adds that the Risolar incorporates the inverter and its solar panels in its pedestal; the panels conveniently fold away into the pedestal allowing the device to be secured when not in use.

Just like in schools, printing remains an essential function in almost all businesses today. As load shedding becomes an unfortunate reality once more, businesses need to take measures to ensure their reliance on the grid is reduced to the minimum and production isn't beholden to power supply. "Part of that is looking at your copiers and printers. If they aren't energy efficient, they are costing more than they should with the ever increasing price of electricity – and they might not be able to work at all if the supply goes down," Anderson concludes.