Ntuthuzelo Nene19 April 2024 | 5:29

As electricity prices rise, South Africans urged to find innovative ways to reduce costs

This follows the recent 12.74% increase in prepaid electricity prices.

As electricity prices rise, South Africans urged to find innovative ways to reduce costs

Photo: Pixabay/stevepb

CAPE TOWN - Energy expert, Dr Andrew Dickson, says South Africans need to find innovative ways of reducing electricity costs and consumption.

This follows the recent 12.74% increase in prepaid electricity prices.

Last year, the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) approved the increase for Eskom to charge customers more from the beginning of this month to keep the lights on.

Dickson said that to save, consumers needed to know what they're spending every month on electricity.

He added that people also need to look at how smart home appliances could reduce their costs and consumption.
 
"Here I'm looking at things like fridges, washing machines, tumble dryers, and dishwashers. Unfortunately, technology does evolve but not everyone is able to buy new washing machines, so now we look at time of use. When is the best time to use it or how long should we use it. So, it's optimising the cycles you might choose to run those appliances."