Energy Month 2016

May is National Energy Month in South Africa. The fact that South Africa is experiencing an energy crisis is no secret and we need to find solutions urgently. It will take a combined effort from households, businesses and government to work together and change our dependency on the national energy provider to supply our energy.

The Western Cape Government has launched its Energy Security Game Changer to create a more energy secure province. The Energy Security Game Changer aims to ensure sufficient power to sustain households and grow businesses in the province.

We need everyone in the province to work towards an energy secure province and to focus on:

• reducing the impact of load shedding,
• becoming energy efficient,
• installing a solar water heater or heat pump,
• installing rooftop solar PV systems (solar panels) for households and businesses that also feeds into municipal grids, and
• promoting of efficient energy usage, particularly in government buildings.

How to become more energy efficient

Energy efficiency means using electricity more efficiently or in reduced amounts – doing the same with less – either through behaviour change or installation of technological devices.

By developing smart energy habits in your household, you can start saving 10% or more on your electricity bill at no cost, including: 

• turning down the temperature of the geyser to 60º which can reduce a household electricity bill by 5%,
• showering instead of bathing,
• turning off the lights in empty rooms, and
• hanging clothes out to dry instead of using a tumble-dryer.

Adding a few low-cost items (usually for less than R1 000), up to 30% or more could be saved, for example:

• installing a geyser timer,
• insulating water pipes,
• wrapping the geyser in a geyser blanket,
• investing in LED light bulbs, and
• sealing any drafts or gaps.

But to make a real difference and save 50% or more on your household electricity bill every month, installing energy-efficient equipment and appliances is a good investment. Options include motion-sensor lights outside, insulating the ceiling and installing roof awnings or overhangs to shade windows.

The Take Charge. Switch & Save campaign  informs and supports you to become more energy efficient for more information #switchandsave.

For more handy tips, visit www.savingelectricity.org.za