Eskom: Save on electricity bill
Save energy by 50% says Eskom, that is, when there’re no rolling blackouts.
JOHANNESBURG SOUTH – On December 11 Ward 54 Councillor Sergio Dos Santos sent out a warning to residents about Eskom and a possibility of load shedding, after Eskom CEOTshediso Matona had assured the country of no load shedding until January.
“Just a warning: Eskom lost four power generating units this morning so there is a possibility of load shedding. I will update everyone should there be load shedding,” posted Dos Santos on his Facebook account.
Meanwhile, on the Eskom website, these are the tips they posted for communities to “Save up to 50% on your electricity bill by following this checklist” – that is of course, when there’s no load shedding by Eskom and power cuts by Johannesburg City Power.
* Replace your electrical element geyser with a solar water heating system or heat pump.
* Climate control and home insulation.
* Installing ceiling insulation is the most important step for improving the energy efficiency of your home.
* During winter approximately 40% of heat is lost through the roof if your home is not insulated.
* Insulation makes a home up to 5% warmer in winter (and 10% cooler in summer).
* Insulation reduces – and postpones – the need to switch on space heaters and climate control systems.
* Insulation contributes to lowering your electricity bill – an insulated and draft-proofed room requires 51% less energy to heat up.
* In the laundry and kitchen: If your fridge, washing machine or dishwasher is more than 10 years old, replace it with a new one. Appliances become energy-intensive over time, and newer models are designed to be energy-efficient. Look for the ‘international efficiency label’ on products to ensure optimal energy efficiency.
* Replace your conventional oven with an energy-efficient convection oven.
* Or, alternatively, install an induction stove; compatible with stainless steel, cast iron and enamel cookware, approximately 90% of energy generated is used for cooking, making an induction stove 25% more energy-efficient than conventional stovetops.
Less is more advises Eskom: “Using less energy in your home means a lower electricity bill – and more money in your pocket at month’s end.”
