Cost Savings Amidst Electricity Tariff Hikes
Cost Savings Amidst Electricity Tariff Hikes
+Average Electricity Usage of Household Appliances
Cost Savings Amidst ElectricityTariff Hikes
The Nigerian Energy Regulatory Commission (NERC) approved an increase in the tariff paid per kilowatt hour of energy from approximately N66 to N225 for the country's electricity distribution companies (DisCos).
NERC further indicated that just a percentage of the over 3,000 DisCos' feeders, or fewer than 481 feeders, will be affected, accounting for 15% of the over 12 million customers captured in the Nigerian Electrical Supply Industry (NESI).
These 15% of the 12 million users are captured under the Band A electrical width.
According to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), there are five electrical bands: A, B, C, D, and E. Customers in Band A are entitled to a minimum of 20 hours per day; Band B customers have a minimum of 16 hours of light per day, and Band C customers have a minimum of 12 hours per day.
In the wake of a staggering 240% increase in electricity tariffs for 'Band A' customers, Nigerians find themselves grappling with higher bills and a need for smarter energy management.
If you have been wondering if you are your area’s electricity distribution company ” favourite” due to the constant power supply in your home, you’re most probably under the band A width.
Then, this edition of Pocket Science presents you with a life buoy against exorbitant bills.
First, let's clear a misconception, Band A electricity width users are more common in urban areas due to better infrastructure, but it's not exclusive to urban areas, and not all urban areas necessarily fall under the Band A classification.
So, this means the increase in electricity tariffs would most likely affect all income groups and classes, as long as they use the Band A electricity width.
The recent tariff hike isn't discriminating based on your postal code. It's coming for everyone under the Band A width. That means whether you're sipping champagne or sipping garri, you'll feel the pinch.
Energy Consumption: The Usual Suspects
According to Nigeria’s Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), urban areas boast higher ownership rates of electrical appliances, reflecting greater access to electricity, higher incomes, and a desire for modern conveniences.
Among the most used electrical appliances are fans, televisions, and electric irons.
Average Electricity Usage of Household Appliances
It's important to know how much power your devices consume, particularly during these times or if you’ve been your electricity distribution company’s favourite (Band A).
You may make informed decisions by timing how long it takes for each appliance to consume a unit of electricity.
You can dial back usage, cut costs, and do your bit for Mother Earth by conserving energy.
A Word of Advice to the DISCO "Fav"
Now this is for all who enjoy longer hours of electricity supply, especially the favoured ones in Band A.
Aside from being aware of the time to use your electric appliances, there are also tips to help optimise electricity and save as much as possible.
Adopting the “African Time" to appliances is a good way to spend less on electricity. We Nigerians are known for our relaxed approach to time, so why not apply this to our appliances? Instead of doing your clothes ironing at different points, apply your African timing and postpone to when you can do a lot of them at once.
Refresh your culinary abilities and cook in large quantities. This spares you from frequent cooking mishaps in addition to saving electricity by lowering the frequency of using the blender.
You can also turn into a Light Ninja, when leaving a room, turn off the lights and use energy-saving lightbulbs.
You can also try exploring your house in the dark, it's a fantastic way to reevaluate your surroundings.
To save money while trying not to suffocate, you can also try to welcome the natural AC and let the breeze in. To let in more natural light and lessen the need for fans or air conditioning, open your windows and doors. It's similar to bringing a little bit of nature indoors.
Shutting down media and tech appliances and relaxing is also another good idea. Get the family together for a storytelling session or board game marathon.
So, there you have it, your secret hack of skyrocketing electricity bills. With a sprinkle of Nigerian ingenuity, you'll be reining in the inflationary forces on your energy usage in no time.
This edition of Pocket Science was written by Khadijat Kareem who has enjoyed 16 hours of electricity supply on Band B and edited by Oluseyi Olufemi who has enjoyed 0 hours on Band B in the last 24 hours.
Thanks for reading. See you next week.