Save electricity by switching to energy efficient habits

PETALING JAYA: Households can switch to using solar energy and take simple steps like using fans to cool room, installing LED lights or avoiding the use of microwave ovens to save on electricity, say energy experts.

They can also employ an energy auditor to look through their homes and see how they can save up on electricity costs.

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Association of Water and Energy Research Malaysia president S. Piarapakaran explained that three main factors contributed to high electricity bills namely the equipment used, number of appliances and usage duration of the appliances.

He said the electricity usage depended on the type of equipment households use such as heating, cooling and rotating (pump system).

“The key to reducing electricity consumption is in identifying these equipment and reducing the usage strategically.

“Those who use rooftop solar are still using the same amount of electricity but they substitute supplied electricity with solar-generated power,” he said in response to the tariff adjustment announced on Friday by the Energy Commission.

The commission announced the electricity tariff adjustment, including the removal of two sen rebates for households with energy consumption between 601 kilowatt hour (kWh) and 1500 kWh.

For domestic users using 600 kWh and below, the two sen rebate per kWh remains. Those using between 600 kWh and 1,500 kWh will not be subjected to a surcharge.

Piarapakaran also called on the government to ensure that the construction of new premises must meet energy efficiency requirements.

“Air conditioning is one of the major contributors to electricity use for many premises therefore, using the correct equipment capacity is also vital,” he added.

Among the ways people can start saving energy is by going through simple steps.

Piarapakaran suggested using a thermos flask to keep warm drinks instead of reheating water using electric kettles.

Avoid using the microwave and instead thaw frozen food naturally, he said, adding that keeping and packing the right amount of food in freezers would require less energy to thaw them.

“Keep your windows and doors properly sealed when air conditioners are operating to prevent cold air from escaping, and use suitable curtains to ensure ample natural lighting to light up the room.

“Do not leave your computers on or in sleep mode as it still consumes electricity, and switch it off when it is not used.

“A similar approach is also applicable to equipment that has a standby function,” he said.

Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association (Fomca) chief executive officer Saravanan Thambirajah advised consumers to switch to energy-efficient appliances such as LED lights and 5-Star Energy Label certified appliances.

He said that hiring an expert to audit energy usage for both homes and businesses would help cut back any unnecessary costs created by the larger electrical appliances.

“Some appliances can use more energy, especially old air-conditioners, ovens and fridges,” said Saravanan, who is also the Water and Energy Consumers Association of Malaysia president.

He said it was timely for Malaysians to switch to better energy efficient practices.

“This can be achieved by switching to solar energy, using hybrid or electric vehicles among practices that can help achieve sustainable and fair energy transition which will help combat climate change impacts,” he added.