How to save on your electricity bill

By Jackson Okoth

A gazette notice No. 12856, dated September 14, 2012 states that all prices for electrical energy will be liable to a foreign exchange fluctuation adjustment of plus 144 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) for all meter readings taken in September, 2012. This is in addition to a fuel cost charge of plus 599 cents per kWh for all meter readings taken during this month.

What this means is that at the end of this month, domestic and industrial consumers of electricity will be slapped with a fat bill, loaded with increased fuel cost and foreign exchange adjustment.

The only way out, therefore, appears to be cutting down on electricity consumption.

“One of the most basic energy saving techniques involves replacement of all incandescent bulbs in your home for energy-saving alternatives. Although they are more expensive, they require lesser energy to light up and last much longer,” said Migwi Theuri, Kenya Power Communications Manager.

Hot water

In the past, a lot of homes were fitted with hot water tanks used mainly for heating bathing water. But in recent years, this equipment has been replaced with instant showers. “This equipment ensures that only water that is to be used is heated as opposed to water tanks measuring 200 litres where only 1⁄4 is used for bathing and the rest cools off after one steps out of the house and is therefore a waste,” said Theuri.

He adds that this installation is now found on bathroom sinks and in the kitchen, ensuring that only what is needed is heated.

A number of consumers also use water kettles to heat water but fail to store any such water. The trick is to store this water in a thermos so that it can be used later rather than re-heating the water left on the kettle each time hot water is needed. The amount of energy that can be conserved through this practice is enormous on a cumulative basis.

Most of the cooking and washing around the house requires heating of water-which eats up the largest chunk of energy consumed in the home.

A powerful new computer, big flat-screen television or that fancy audio system is a joy for many a homeowner. However, the amount of electricity used by these energy guzzlers is less of a reason to rejoice.

It is advisable to turn them off when not in use. Unplugging them helps, too, as electricity is used even when the electronic is off, if it’s still plugged in. But it is not only on the domestic front where energy-savings tips are critical. The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) in conjunction with the Ministry Of Energy has established the Centre for Energy Efficiency and Conservation (CEEC).

The centre runs energy efficiency and conservation programs designed to help companies identify energy wastage, determine saving potential and give recommendation on measures to be implemented. It also provides professional technical services for developing, designing and implementing energy efficiency projects to suit the needs of commercial, institutional and industrial consumers.

Conserve energy

The main aim is to reduce cost and enhance competitiveness and profitability while promoting a clean and healthy environment.

CEEC has already engaged several companies in its energy savings campaigns. “We have already done some 192 general audits since 2006. These audits are mainly done for small and medium enterprises where an assessment is carried out of a company’s energy use, measures are identified to conserve energy and recommendations are given for energy improvement,” said Ms Bett Maina, Chief Executive, Kenya Association of Manufacturers.

In addition, the association has done 34 investment grade audits for large companies where in addition to the steps taken in going a general audit, a financial analysis of the measures recommended is taken to ascertain their viability.

“KAM raises awareness on the energy audits and identifies companies’ interested in conserving energy. These companies then share production and energy data for the past three years. When the data is received certified energy auditors then carry out an audit of the company,” said Ms Maina.

This audit process takes a period of 4 weeks to complete. The audits are subsidized by funds from Ministry of Energy and foreign donors.

She explained that Companies can save their power bills by changing their lights to energy saving lights such as electronic ballast fluorescent bulbs, using high efficiency motors, improvement in boilers, proper compressor management , lagging of steam pipes, sealing of compressor leaks, motor load matching and using renewable energy.

Heavy consumers

Energy auditors carry out an analysis of the energy input utilization and identify wastage. Data is also gathered by interviewing personnel on the ground and identifying areas for improvement.

• Saving energy is one way to conserve on your electricity bill. Find out the top home energy consumers and empower yourself to use energy hogging appliances wisely.

• Some of the biggest energy consumers in your home are also the most needed and used appliances and electronics.

• The top energy consumers include the iron box, water heater and electronics.

•Be sure to keep all the appliances unplugged from electric sockets when not in use.

•Unplug the desktop computer. Turning off your computer when not in use will not affect its performance.

•Unplug all chargers such as cell phone chargers, laptop charger and GPS chargers, when not in use. These always use electricity even if the unit itself is not connected to the charger.

•Do not use halogen and incandescent bulbs. Instead use a compact fluorescent bulb in every lighting fixture. Fluorescent lights last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

•Try to consider the use of natural light during day time. Allow light to pass through by opening your blinds and shutters. This is a helpful way to save money because it decreases the use of energy by helping to lower your monthly electricity bill.

•Always clean the back part and lower part of the refrigerator as well as the coils.