May is National Energy Month in South Africa. Energy Month provides an opportunity to educate the public, companies and organisations alike about saving energy and the role each one plays in doing so.
Improving energy efficiency is more than just using less energy, it requires becoming aware of how it is used, where it is wasted and how it can be utilised effectively and efficiently in everyday life.
Focusing on increasing power reserves is one way to address current supply pressure, but there are alternative methods to generating additional electricity sources that can contribute a healthy portion of energy in South Africa, namely:
- Solar power is a renewable electrical source free from pollutants. It has the ability to produce enough electricity to heat water, thermostats and power lighting and can also be converted into chemical energy creating bio mass, a renewable source of alternative fossil fuels.
- Wind Turbines are responsible for generating one of the fasted growing sources of electricity in the world.
- Hydroelectricity is a renewable source of power generated by flowing water that is a cost-effective method to generating an alternative source of power.
The South African Government provided a few energy saving tips for 2020:
Electricity saving tips
- Take a shower instead of a bath.
- Do not fill the kettle - only boil water that is needed.
- Keep the fridge door closed, and make sure it is properly sealed.
- Do not cook with a small pot on a large stove plate.
- Dress for the season - warm in winter and light clothing in summer.
- Switch off all appliances when they are not in use.
- Reduce the heater or geyser temperature from hot to warm.
- Close all windows and doors when the air conditioner or heater is on.
- Always use compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) energy saving bulbs, which are five times more energy-efficient than their incandescent counterparts. .
- Fit one light bulb with the correct level of brightness in a room.
- Turn the lights off when leaving a room.
- Do all ironing at the same time.
The responsibility to reduce electrical consumption, to initiate energy efficiencies and switch off non-essential appliances does not solely fall on the shoulders of households and domestic energy consumers. Industrial, commercial and agricultural establishments hold much power in the plight to conserve energy, apply energy efficiencies and reduce pressures on South Africa’s electrical grid.