Easy way for South Africans to pay less for electricity

With electricity prices increasing, experts advised that there are simple things South Africans can do to cut back on their consumption and save thousands of rands.

Starting in April, Eskom electricity prices increased by 12.74%. While this was lower than the 36.15% the body had initially asked for, the above-inflation increase is still a blow to South African consumers.

At the same time, as winter approaches and temperatures drop, energy consumption also increases. As South Africans work to keep their homes warm this winter, they may find their electricity bills much higher than they are used to.

For many, solar energy may be the ultimate prize for reducing their electricity bills, especially with the risk of load-shedding and the possibility of an unstable electricity supply.

However, not everyone can afford the significant initial investment often associated with installing alternative energy solutions. Fortunately, South Africans can use easy and affordable methods to save on their electricity bills.

On the Everything Counts podcast, De Wet Taljaard, Technical Advisor at Investec Sustainable Solutions, Kirk Palmer, Director at Solafi, and Andrew Winstone, CEO at Energy LED, offered some affordable solar alternatives.

First, they stressed the importance of lighting. It is an inexpensive fix and can make a real difference during peak usage times in the morning and evening.

Switching to LED lights can reduce your lighting consumption by up to 90%. Most homes have a 50-watt halogen light, which can be replaced with a 4.5 or 5-watt LED, which retails for around R30.

LEDs last four to six times longer than traditional lights, meaning you won’t have to change bulbs as often. The savings are significant, Winstone said. For an 80-watt downlight, you could save R4,000 in energy costs over the bulb’s life.

Replacing a traditional double fluorescent light with an LED tube that costs around R120 could save you R6,000 in energy over its lifespan.

Depending on how often and for how long you use the light, it will take you longer or shorter to make back your investment.

But Winstone noted that it’s worth switching if you use a light for more than 15 minutes daily, especially when you spend under R100 to get R4,000 back.

Geysers, appliances and insulation

After lighting, Palmer suggested that consumers look at their geysers. Between 30% and 60% of a household’s electricity use can come from heating water, so there is a significant opportunity to cut back on spending.

Using a smart control, users can shift the load profile and turn geysers off during peak usage periods using timers. Prices start at under R300, making it another relatively affordable way to cut back.

Palmer said that when it comes to heating and cooking, using the right energy source is crucial, such as gas rather than electricity.

Investing in energy-efficient appliances can quickly reduce overall consumption. However, Taljaard stressed that this doesn’t mean consumers must simultaneously replace all their appliances.

Rather, when it comes time to replace something or when something breaks, consumers should use that opportunity to look for cost-effective, energy-efficient options.

When shopping for appliances, customers can look for energy efficiency ratings to help them make the best choice. Appliances are rated from A to G, and choosing an A or B-rated product is much better than a D-rated product.

For example, when comparing two fridges, the cost of running the less efficient one will far outweigh any savings from buying the cheaper model. It’s always worth spending a bit more to be as efficient as possible.

Finally, Winstone explained that as winter approaches, insulation becomes critical for maintaining warmth and improving home energy efficiency. Small, free changes can make a big difference in a room’s temperature.

Simply closing curtains when using indoor heating, such as a fireplace, can help retain heat and prevent it from escaping through windows.