Electricity tariffs are increasing on 1 July, and the country’s electricity supply constraints and possible load-shedding are a reality. Households can save significantly on their electricity bills by implementing the savings tips, and we can all help to prevent load shedding if we reduce Cape Town’s electricity demand. A 25 – 40% reduction by mid- to high-income households would make a considerable difference.
The biggest target of all when it comes to electricity is the water heated by the electric geyser, which consumes about 40% of the electricity in a household. The less hot water used, the less electricity consumed, and the more money saved. The City is encouraging the installation of solar water heaters or heat pumps for water heating as these will make a real impact on the electricity bill.
If you are using pre-paid electricity, it is important to buy only as much electricity as you will need in a month, otherwise you may pay more for electricity than you should. This is because, since July last year a ‘step tariff’ system has been introduced for household electricity. A step tariff means that the less electricity a household uses, the cheaper the per unit charge. For example, households using more than 600 units a month pay a higher rate per unit than those using less than 600 units a month. Electricity units are measured in kilowatt hours or kWh.
The City’s Top Ten Ways to Save Electricity at Home
Implementing all of the actions outlined below will save you 50% or more on your electricity costs, while at the same time adding to the value of your home.
No-cost changes
Easy-to-do changes that are the foundation of Smart Living
- Turn your geyser temperature down to 60°C
Hot water accounts for almost 40% of your electricity bill.
Turning down the thermostat by a degree or two will save you 5% on your electricity bill - Use less hot water
Take a short shower instead of a bath. Only fill the kettle with as much water as you need. Wash a full load of dishes, rather than one dish at a time. Wash clothing in cold water - Switch off equipment when not in use
Turn appliances off at the wall rather than leaving them on standby as this can still draw about 6% or more electricity. - Reduce pool pump operating hours
Drop pool pump operating hours to six hours in summer and four hours in winter. Clean filters regularly, and consider a pool cover and turning off the pump entirely in winter. - Reduce excessive heating or cooling
Space heating in winter is a big power ‘guzzler’, and the same for summer cooling. Use oil heaters with thermostats and avoid under-floor heating. Wear warmer clothing. In summer use a fan rather than air-conditioning
Low-cost options
Investing under R1 000
- Install an energy efficient showerhead and insulate the geyser with a geyser blanket . Do the same with hot water pipes leading from the geyser to maximise heat retention
- Install efficient lighting
Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) use five times less power than incandescent bulbs, and last much longer. LEDs are even more efficient, using nine times less power; they are also becoming cost competitive and are very long lasting – LEDs are particularly good for down lighters (which use a lot of electricity if they are not LEDs!). Of course, switching off lights in unoccupied rooms is an obvious way to save.
Invest-to-save options
Investments that create greater long-term savings
- Install a solar water heater
It uses the sun to heat up your water, saving at least 25% on your electricity bill. With rising electricity tariffs and subsidies from Eskom, the payback period is no more than three to five years. Heat pumps are also now becoming cost competitive – so if your home is not suited to a solar water heater (which is still the most efficient water heater), consider a heat pump. - Insulate the ceiling
Ceiling insulation can keep the home 5°C warmer in winter, and 10°C cooler in summer.
For help in taking action, visit www.SavingElectricity.org.za.
