A call to consumers

Use electricity efficiently and wisely to save on hard-earned money

This summer, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) urges all consumers to practice energy conservation while beating up the heat.

Consumption level of customers usually peak during the hot months due to the intensive use of air-conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, electric fans. Aside from this, it is also a vacation time for schoolchildren, thus, entertainment appliances like television sets and computer usage goes up.

The DTI also warned consumers to expect higher power bill after power retailer Manila Electric Company or Meralco announced a hike in the rates last March after their generation charge surged by almost P0.20 per kilowatt-hour because of a spike in the average price on the wholesale electricity spot market in February.

Meralco said its March generation charge jumped to P4.3998 per kWh, up P0.1939 from P4.1946 per kWh in February. Customers consuming 50 kWh will therefore see their March electricity bills up by P10, those using 70 kWh by P17, and those consuming 100 kWh by P28.

DTI Undersecretary for Consumer Welfare Zenaida Maglaya remarked that it is during times like this that even little things we do matter. According to her, “there are a number of ways by which consumers can cut back on electricity consumption and, ultimately, earn savings to spend on much important need such as food.”

Here are some simple but practical ways to reduce monthly electricity bills:

1. Keep it a habit among your family to always turn off lighting and electrical appliances when not in use.
2. Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they are not in use. Plugged electronic devices make a continuous electrical circuit flow in devices.
3. Use compact fluorescent lights (CFL) instead of incandescent bulbs. A 16-watt CFL produces the same light as a 60-watt incandescent bulb at a quarter of the energy cost. Furthermore, use lamps that provide direct lighting over desks, beds and other work areas.
4. Use only energy efficient devices. Make sure to buy an air conditioner with the energy efficient ratio (EER) label, or a refrigerator with high energy efficient factor (EEF). Replace about 25 percent of your lights with compact fluorescent lamps.
5. Maximize electric lighting by painting your room in bright colors. This enhances the distribution of daylight and reflects higher levels of light.
6. Wash and iron clothing in full loads. Air them dry as often as possible instead of using a spin dryer.
7. Control your air conditioner’s thermostat setting to match your desired temperature. The ideal setting is 25 degrees Celsius. Keep the room cool by closing doors and windows. Use curtains or blinds to shut the sun out.
8. If you’re cooking with an electric stove, always use a cover as you let water boil or the food simmer. Prepare all ingredients before cooking to avoid frequent switching of electric stove. You can turn off the burner a few minutes before the allotted cooking time ends to take advantage of the remaining heat.
9. Thaw frozen food thoroughly before cooking. Match pots and pans to stove element and avoid using a big burner for a small pan to lessen heat transfer loss.
10. Always keep the refrigerator door closed and make sure it is sealed airtight and make cleaning a habit. Defrost the refrigerator to remove frost build-up and enhance its cooling efficiency. Also, clean the air conditioner’s air filter to reduce additional load on the compressor caused by accumulated dust.

DTI champions the welfare of consumers as it joins millions of consumers worldwide in the campaign for accessible, affordable and sustainable energy supply.

Likewise, DTI reminds consumers to be conscious on the judicious use of energy. Energy is nonrenewable, thus the need for responsible use of it to maintain environmental harmony. (end)