The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has provided six ways Nigerians can reduce their electricity bill.
The tips were shared by the Commission via its official Twitter handle on Thursday, July 27.
These tips are helpful for both metered and non-metered customers, so they do not have to pay so much for electricity consumption.
The tips include:
Install CFL or LED bulbs
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are energy-saving bulbs that help users save money, use less energy, reduce light bulb changes, and lower greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions that lead to climate change.
Also, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are highly efficient bulbs that are better than regular (incandescent) bulbs in terms of energy conservation.
LEDs are also good options for streetlights, walkway lighting, outdoor lighting, and industrial use.
Turn off empty fridges or freezers
This extends beyond totally empty fridges or freezers; users need to also consider the items contained in their fridges or freezers at any given time.
If the items contained therein are not susceptible to being stale, there is no reason to leave the fridge/freezer running for hours.
Users need to regulate their use of fridges and freezers; it is important to state that data from Ikeja Electric shows that it takes 10 hours for a medium-sized refrigerator to consume 1 kilowatt hour of electricity.
Replace old appliances with energy-efficient ones
Energy efficiency is now reflected in the products that are pushed onto the market daily.
These products range from air conditioners to fridges/freezers to pressing irons as well as fans, and energy-saving kitchen appliances.
When changing some appliances for residences and offices, users are better served to buy energy-saving appliances as they consume less electricity.
Cook with gas
Cooking with gas is a cheaper alternative to cooking with electricity.
This is because consistent hours of cooking time will reflect humongous electricity bills, both for metered and unmetered consumers.
Also, prolonged use of electricity for cooking is not sustainable due to the current economic realities Nigerians are currently facing.
In 2022, Nairametrics conducted a survey and found that as a cheaper alternative to cooking compared to electricity-powered cookers.
Let food cool down before placing it in the fridge/freezer
After cooking, it is better to allow the food to become cool before freezing or cooling, this is because food that is still hot will impact the coolness of the fridge or freezer and that means more electricity consumption for the user.
If the food is cold, it becomes easier for the fridge or freezer to cool or freeze the food.
Do not leave water heaters on for too long
This is very important for those who run hot baths a lot or are regular hotel users. It is better to regulate heating time when using water heaters.
In 2022, during an energy efficiency survey conducted by Nairametrics, energy analyst, Oghosa Erhahon, told Nairametrics that she stays energy efficient by turning on her bathroom electric heater for about half an hour, so it can serve her for approximately 36 hours as opposed to using the heater every single day.
Think of how much energy is saved in this case.
very correct tips. thanks for sharing…
I agree absolutely. I did most of these things and our light bill fell by 30%.
Good, there was a time i send message to you about crazy bills being sent to me by Ikeja electric but to my surprise i didn’t hear anything from you as feedback
Very helpful write up, because in my house in abuja, a 5bd duplex, we consume minimum of 80, 000 monthly, I don’t even if my meter is not running fast
Please, ask AEDC electricity engineers to help check and review the apartment for too much consumption. Thanks
Even doing so they still charge on estimate and when they disconnect once light for months they still bring bill on estimate that you did not inform them that you no longer need their service, I personally feel the regulatory body has compromise by not checking their excesses on customer
Go and get a Pre-Paid meter
Noted and useful tips I guess. . .
This piece captures the fact that we waste energy so much in our country Nigeria, and that has been a contributor to insufficient power supply experiences over the years. But thanks to the vital information it offers, we can now begin to imbibe a conservatory attitude towards the use of power. We should resort to energy-efficient appliances to help us manage our limited energy provisions from the grid. Thanks, Nairameteics and Omono Okonkwo.
Thanks for the useful tips I will share with my group
Very good
The issue to address is actually electricity theft because a few of us buy and manage the tarrifs and still “endure” the supply with those who steal the electricity. Isn’t that more than enough punishment to the consumers?
Thank you,NERC. This is what is expected from our Service providers..
Hello, does using a stabilizer increase electric consumption?
We pay #2.5M monthly which is affecting the business in abeokuta ogun state.
I greatly appreciate you sharing these incredibly valuable tips! To reduce your electricity bills, you also might want to think about getting a smart thermostat and adjusting it during the day. So, in winter, set your thermostat to 68°F when you wake up, 60°F when you leave, 68°F in the evenings, and 60°F when you sleep. In summer, set your thermostat to 75°F when you wake up, 80°F when you leave, 75°F in the evenings, and 78°F (or turn it off) when you sleep.
You won’t feel a big change in temperature, but you’ll see a significant reduction in energy usage.
Very helpful tips. Thank you NERC
Solar panels can help you reduce your energy bills as well. While solar panel installation requires an upfront investment, you can save a tidy sum on your utility bills, leading to significant long-term savings. Additionally, government solar incentives offer favorable terms for 2023.
Thank you for sharing this information. Another useful tip for lowering electricity bills is to ensure your heating system is well-maintained. It’s recommended to service your furnace annually, preferably during the fall. Homeowners should also be vigilant for warning signs like unusual odors, strange noises, sparks, and indications of rust or cracks. Keep in mind that a poorly maintained system may operate inefficiently, consuming more energy to heat your home.