Saving electricity and money made easy

Our growing population and the added demands on our energy resources have a negative impact on the natural resources of our country. Using energy wisely will not only help you to save money on your electricity bill but it will also help the environment.

Understanding electricity

Electricity is measured in kilowatts (kW) and kilowatt hours (kWh). The amount of energy you use (energy consumption) is reflected in your bill as kWh. The amount of power you use (energy demand) is represented by kW.

Understanding your usage can help lower your bill. If, for instance, all the lights in your home are switched on, your energy demand increases. High demands affect the national power grid, which can lead to load shedding. This is why we’re encouraged to monitor the amount of electricity we use. 

1. Convert to solar energy
Invest in solar panels to cut down on electricity costs. Photovoltaic (PV) solar panels can be a bit pricey to buy and install, but is worth every cent in the long term. It would also mean that you are not dependent on Eskom’s power grid.

2. Don’t forget to unplug
Your appliances and chargers still draw energy if they’re plugged in. You can prevent this by unplugging appliances you’re not using.

3. Keep your geyser snug this winter
Geysers use up to half your household's electricity bill. Investing in a solar geyser will save you a lot of money. Eskom will give you a rebate after installation of the solar geyser has been confirmed. 

A geyser blanket is also an effective way of cutting down the amount of electricity used by a geyser. These are usually available at hardware stores.  

4. Keeping warm 
Switch to a gas heater and ensure floors and walls are well insulated. Try using carpets and mats on tiled floors to keep your floors warm and gas heaters to reduce the use of electricity.

5. Gas stoves
If you find yourself cooking a lot, you should consider using gas instead of an electric stove. 

6. Replacing outside lights with sensor lights are a great way to save money, as they don’t run constantly. 

7.  Change to energy-saving LED lightbulbs
LED lights use less energy because they use fewer watts than incandescent light bulbs. Also only use lights inside your home when you need to.

8. Cover your pool and switch off the pool pump
Your pool pump uses a lot of electricity. Instead of keeping it on all day, control its operation with a pool clock.

9. Use less water in your kettle
Add only the amount of water you need when making tea or coffee.

10. Wear layers of clothing and use blankets
Avoid using heaters. Instead, wear warm clothes and use blankets to keep warm.

11. Change your workout routine
Instead of using electric equipment, go for a jog outside or plan a workout that does not need electricity.

12. Keep fridge doors sealed
Always close your fridge after opening it. When you leave it open it loses cold air, which means it will need electricity to cool down again.  

13. Insulate your ceiling
Insulating your ceiling means that your home will be warmer. This can minimise the use of electric heaters.