Electricity saving tips for winter

Winter is here and the colder months usually mean an increase in energy consumption by South Africans.

With a 13 percent increase in Eskom electricity tariffs from July 1, as approved by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) as well as the price of petrol increasing to R12.83 for 95 octane petrol inland on April 1, South Africans will need to look at ways of saving this winter.

“As we head towards winter, we must be cognisant of electricity usage in order to assist in reducing the risk of load shedding. A collective reduction on the electricity load could make a difference,” said Mr Derek Wilson from Hippo.co.za

Ideas on how to save money this winter:

• Switch off your geyser when not in use.
• Install a geyser timer and a geyser blanket in order to reduce the temperature setting on you geyser.
• Insulate your home by hanging thick curtains on all the windows and placing carpets on tiled or wooden floors.
• Reduce the setting on your pool pump in order for it to run for a shorter time.
• Switch off all appliances that are not in use.
• Use energy-saving LED equivalent lightbulbs.
• Reduce the temperature setting on your fridge/freezer.
• Use hot water bottles instead of heaters or electric blankets.