In the colder winter months, residents typically use more electricity, which drives up the household bills. This is because indoor spaces are often heated. In addition, with the new higher Eskom-driven tariffs and more people in households for more of the time due to Covid-19 precautions, it all impacts on the household bills. By using a few low to no cost electricity saving methods, customers can significantly lower their energy consumption and household bills. Read more below:
The City of Cape Town reminds residents that by making small changes in their daily lives, a significant reduction can be seen in their energy consumption and in their household bills. By monitoring energy usage, especially during winter, and by using a few smart energy savings tips, residents can reduce their electricity costs.
‘Due to the Covid-19 third wave and the associated Alert Level 4 regulations, people are spending time at home, and therefore typically using more energy as they heat indoor spaces. With more people in the home, remote work, colder weather, and the impact of Eskom’s higher tariffs kicking in, electricity bills will typically increase. However, by making small changes we can save energy and keep household costs down. Residents are urged to visit the City’s website to find out more about smart energy saving tips,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Energy and Climate Change, Councillor Phindile Maxiti.
Top five low cost tips to save electricity:
1. Your geyser:Turn the geyser temperature down to 60°C.
2. Use less hot water:Do not let the hot water run unnecessarily. Use cold water to wash hands instead of hot water. Use a basin plug when washing.
Shower instead of bathing. You will save up to 80% in water and use five times less electricity than heating bath water if you take a short shower.
3. Dry your laundry using sunshine where possible during those warm winter days and try not to use the tumble dryer. For rainy days, use drying racks indoors.
4. Use energy-saving light bulbs, such as LEDs. On average, they use six times less electricity.
Even burning for just two hours a day, the best-priced LEDs will pay for themselves in less than a year.
5. Use a stove plate that’s most similar to the size of your pot:
An electric stove loses up to 40% of its heat when the pot is too small, which means you waste electricity.
Source: City Of Cape Town