by Zachariya Lockhat, Recharger Prepaid Meters

As we enter a new year, it makes good economic sense to carry on implementing some of the lessons we learned last year, when every rand spent counted more than ever, and people were more inclined to “work smarter” and embrace new ideas.

Here are some ideas on how to save on your electricity bills. Much of it is common sense, but it is good to be reminded.

• Turn off unnecessary lights and switch to energy-saving LED light bulbs. Use natural light wherever possible.
• Take shorter showers: save water as well as electricity.
• Turn the hot water off when you are shaving, washing your hands, or brushing your teeth.
• Unplug your unused electronic chargers and devices to save electricity by reducing standby power.
• Embrace your inner Braai Master and cook outdoors whenever possible.
• Use alternative cooking appliances such as the microwave oven, a slow cooker, pressure cooker or electric frying pan as these consume less electricity than a conventional oven.
• Keep your fridge and freezer running at optimal temperatures. For your fridge, this is around 3°C and your freezer should be at -20°C. Fridge and freezer manufacturer’s documentation usually provides optimal settings.
• Wash your laundry in cold water, with a full load, and hang your washing out to dry rather than using a tumble drier. Summers in South Africa are tailor-made for drying laundry outside – it’s better for the planet as well as your budget!

Finally, install a prepaid electricity sub-meter and work smarter by measuring and monitoring your electricity consumption.

A study based in Cape Town has shown that – on average – customers reduced their electricity use by between 1,9 to 2,2 kWh per customer per day, when they switched from postpaid to prepaid electricity metering.

Prepaid electricity metering works very much like a prepaid cellphone, you pay upfront before you use it, and in this way, you can eliminate large and unexpected monthly bills. A registered electrician must install the sub-meter.

Once your sub-meter is registered and activated, you can buy prepaid electricity tokens countrywide from numerous retail outlets, including retail stores, at banks, and petrol stations. You can also buy tokens online from the Recharger Pay Portal or PayCity, as well as from mobile vendors using Flash and Kazang.

Contact Shaun Clarke, Recharger Prepaid Meters, Tel 087 158-4800, marketing@recharger.co.za