10 ways of using less electricity to save money

Singapore Power has just announced that average electricity tariffs will be revised upwards by 8.83% for the quarter 1 July 2007 to 30 September 2007. What good timing! 1 July 2007 is also the date for the increase in Singapore's goods and services tax from 5% to 7%, a 40% increase.

What can you do, as a hapless consumer who can only buy retail electricity from Singapore power who is the only provider for domestic consumers of electricity? You need to tighten your belt. I need to tighten my belt. We all need to tighten our belts by conserving our electricity use. How can we save money by using less electricity?

1. Switch from air-conditioning to fans
Airconditioner units use up massive amounts of electricity. Turn to using fans to help cool yourself down during this hot June weather

2. Visit libraries and shopping malls more often
Use less of your own fans/airconditioners by leveraging more on those provided by public places. It helps you to cut down your own electricity use since you are cooling down at those locations.

3. Have more cold showers
Before you switch on the water heater, consider bathing in cold water as the weather now is so hot!

4. Switch from CRT monitors to LCD monitors
LCD monitors use less electricity thatn CRT monitors so do your part for the environment, and you electricity bills as LCD prices are falling.

5. Drink more plain water at room temperature instead of chilled drinks
Your refrigerator is the next biggest consumer of electricity in the house. Drink more water at room temperature instead of chilling them which consumes electricity.

6. Wash your clothes with a full load
The washing machine also sucks lots of wattage from your electricity mains. Ensure optimal capacity before running the washing machine. Helps to save water too!

7. Switch off and unplug unused appliances
Appliances that are not used, e.g. computers still draw small amounts of power even if they are switched off. Switch off the power outlet and unplug the appliance.

8. Sleep early
Use more of natural light and less electricity for lighting and cooling by sleeping early. Reduces the need to rely on electricity powered illumination and fans/airconditioners.

9. Iron less frequently
Make use of the iron by ironing more clothes at one go to maximise the use of the iron.

10. Watch less TV read more books
Read more books and magazines (free if borrowed from the library while you are cooling off) and switch off the TV earlier. :-)

Do give your own tips too in the comments section and all the best in your efforts to save money by using less electricity!