Mumbai: Worried about high power bills? Here’s how to cut consumption

Judicious use of laptops and desktops during work from home can reduce consumption. Representation pic

Did you experience unexpected energy consumption and exorbitant electricity bills during the previous summer's lockdown? You may still be able to save on your power consumption while working from home amid the ongoing restrictions by following some easy tips.

City's suburban supplier Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited (AEML) has given information that can make lockdown power consumption affordable. The company has also offered residential customers a scheme to buy super-efficient, 5-star ceiling fans which consume 60 per cent less energy at a 60 per cent discount.

"Many people are working from home, leading to an increase in power consumption. Additionally, since it is summer, people tend to set ACs at a lower temperature, leading to higher electricity bills," said the company. AEML's spokesperson said ACs contribute 70 per cent of the bill and the consumption can be reduced. "Work from home will also increase the use of electronic appliances and laptops/desktops. Our aim is to guide people to use energy-efficient appliances leading to minimum possible electricity bills in these testing times," he said.

Tips to reduce power use

Laptops/desktops during WFH

. Switch off laptop desktop when not in use, it saves 40% energy

. Try to use laptop PCs, which consume only 90 Watts power

Air Conditioner

. Don't set the temperature too low, 24°C to 25°C is comfortable for human body

. Keep the doors, windows and vents tightly shut to prevent leakage of cooled air

. Increasing the temperature by 1 degree saves 6% of electricity and '1,500 annually

. Use the ceiling fan with the AC to increase circulation

Refrigerator

. Keep at least a six-inch gap between the walls and the refrigerator for circulation of air. This improves cooling efficiency

. Try to get a 4- or 5-star labelled energy-efficient refrigerator that has 50% less consumption

. Allow hot food to cool before putting it in the refrigerator

Washing Machine

. Run cold water washing cycles instead of hot water cycles, it saves 90% energy

. Dry clothes under the sun or in natural air instead of using the machine dryer

Fan

. Use energy-efficient 5-star ceiling fans, which consume 60% less energy

. Use electronic fan regulators instead of conventional (resistive/mechanical) ones

Tubelights

. Replace 36 & 40 W T8/T12 tube light or 28 W T5 tube lights by 20-watt LED tube lights that consume less power

Source: Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited