What quick and simple changes can be made to reduce your energy bill?
The price of electricity has come down in recent months but it is still higher than it was before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking to The Pat Kenny Show, Sunday Times Ireland Climate Supplement Editor Jo Linehan offered listeners her top tips.
“First of all, LED bulbs,” she said.
“I know people bang on about [them] a lot but switching LED bulbs but, honestly, switching LED bulbs [can help massively].
“Electric Ireland found if you swapped every bulb in your house for an LED, you’d dave about €7 per bulb per year.
“So, if you’re in a house with eight or nine rooms, it can really add up.
“That’s a really quick, easy one to do.”
Unplug when not in use
Another simple way to reduce your electricity consumption is to unplug appliances when they are not in use.
“Another study found that 20% of our electricity bill can actually come from appliances that are plugged in but are not in use,” Ms Linehan said.
“So, go around, plug out any chargers, the toaster that’s plugged in, the TV that hasn’t been used, the play stations, that’s another great saver.”
Four slices of white toasted bread in a four slice toaster. December 2020.She also said people should try and avoid using electricity when the tariff is at its most expensive.
“A lot of people still don’t realise that between 5pm and 7pm is a peak time for energy use and that’s when it’s most expensive,” Ms Linehan said.
“So, if you can time your slow cooker for the morning or your washing machine for night time, that is a much, much better way to just shave those few cents off the bill.”
EVs
Finally, she recommended owners of electric cars contact their provider and see if they offer reduced rates to EV drivers.
“A lot of the providers are offering tariffs to people with electric cars,” she said.
“You can actually talk to your provider and say, ‘Listen, I’ve bought an EV, can you give me a rate if I charge at a certain time?’
“A lot of them are offering packages now ; if you’ve really felt the hit, I would get onto your provider and have a chat with them because there might be a tariff there that can really suit your needs.”
You can listen back here:
Main image: An electricity bill.
