New tariffs: How to drastically reduce energy consumption

OpeOluwani Akintayo

Lagos — While it is no longer news that electricity tariffs were hiked by between 50% and 100% depending on the location, what most electricity consumers are concerned with is how to cut down on electricity usage thereby saving cost.

The first step is to identify the biggest energy-consuming appliances in the home. A typical home has the following consumption pattern:

1. Air Conditioning and Heating- 46%

2. Water Heating- 14%

3. Appliances (Fridge, Washing Machine,

etc) -13%

4. Lighting: 9%

3. Other Appliances -13%

Investing in renewable energy sources is one of the saving graces.

Nigeria is blessed with good sunshine that can be converted into energy. Although the initial cost of installing solar energy might be pricey however, it pays in the long run.

However, in the absence of an alternative, here are few tips on how to save on energy and pay less bill:

1. Use daylight as much as possible. Energy saved in the daytime can be used at night.

2. Use fans instead of air conditioners where possible.

3. Switch off your air conditioners when leaving the room, at least for 15mins. You could even set your air conditioner mode to ‘auto’ and set to room temperature.

4. Each LED bulb you install can save a lot of money over its lifetime. Always switch off the light when not in use.

5. Switch off the fridge/freezer when empty. Better still, if the supply in your area is constant, put off the deep freezer at night or during the day – 12 hourly. You’ll save a lot.

6. Do not put hot or warm food straight into the fridge/freezer.

7. Use an electric kettle to boil water instead of an electric cooker.

8. Iron clothing in bulk and not in small quantities at a time. While at it, put off your fridge and freezer for the period.

9. Do not leave the water heater on for too long. Make sure your water heater has a good thermostat.

10. It is cheaper to cook with natural gas than electric cooker.

11. Use heating appliances with functional thermostats to regulate the appliances.

12. Keep doors and windows shut when air conditioners are in operation.

13. Defrost your freezer regularly to keep it running efficiently.

14. Unplug any devices or appliances not in use at any point.

15. Lastly, put off the freezer, fridge, electric kettle, and electric cooker while the pumping machine is on- you save a lot thereby.

 

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