Written by Maselaelo Seshotli
Electricity shortage is a reality in South Africa, and practical and innovative ways are needed to save electricity. Unnecessary power usage not only contributes to the country’s electricity challenges, but it also adds to the financial strain of many South Africans.
Here are a few easy ways you can help the country save on electricity and also save on your monthly bill:
- Geyser: The geyser uses up to 39 per cent of energy every month. Switch it off when the water is warm. Homeowners need to insulate the geyser and water pipes, which could save up to 37 per cent of the energy used by the geyser.
- Shower: Unlike bathing, a shower uses less water and in so doing, reduces the use of the geyser.
- Lighting: Switching off the lights in unoccupied rooms or those with a fair amount of visibility saves energy. Homeowners should consider replacing the incandescent bulbs with the energy saving compact fluorescent lamps, which use less electricity and last longer.
- Standby electricity: Appliances such as a television, DVD player, computer system and TV game should not be left on standby mode as they continue to generate and use up to 50 per cent of their operating power. Switch them off at the power point.
- Refrigeration: Avoid opening the refrigerator for long periods so that it does not use up extra power to get back to its best cooling level.
- Temperature control: Remember to always keep the room temperature between 18 to 20 degrees Celsius. Parents and guardians should encourage the family to use extra clothes, blankets and hot-water bottles to keep warm without using extra heaters.
- Cell phones: To avoid wasting energy, unplug the charger after the phone has been charged otherwise it will continue to draw power. Also avoid using your phone while it is still on the charger.
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