A wise man once said, “For if you put by little to little, and do so often, it will quickly become much.” So when it comes to saving electricity it is the little things we do as individuals and families that go a long way in saving electricity for the nation. The following tips are not exhaustive but may be of some assistance in enhancing optimum utilisation of your power supply:

 1. Did you know that the major energy consuming appliances in the home are the water heater (geyser)   and the oven?

2. Ensure that the geyser thermostat is in good working order and set at about 65°C. If your geyser does not have a water heater blanket, talk to your stockist about insulation.

3. If you have a washing machine, make sure your water temperature setting is not above 30°C; it saves electricity and your clothes last longer!

4. By reducing the amount of water in your bathtub you could save both on water and electricity as the greater the volume of water drained from your geyser, the more electrical energy you have to use up to heat the cold water replacing that being drained out.

5. Your electrical stove must be kept in good working order and in this state it can be switched off at least five minutes before the food is cooked and the stored heat will finish off the cooking.

6. For cooking most foods, pre heating is not necessary like in baking, and did you know that every time you open your oven door during cooking you lose approx. 25°C of heat? Food for thought!

7. If you’re going away on holiday, consider buying timers to turn your lights on instead of leaving them on 24 hours a day!

8. Did you know that it is quicker and cheaper to boil water in a kettle than in a pot? When using an electric kettle to boil water, it is advisable to boil only what is needed provided that the element is covered of course!

9. Avoid making toast under the grill, use a toaster! It’s quicker and cheaper.

10. Why don’t you replace your old filament Light bulbs with compact fluorescent energy savers? They     use less electrical energy and they last up to 3 years! Remember, unoccupied rooms are better left unlit.