5 Electricity Saving Hacks for the Everyday Singaporean

Feel nervous each time you open your utilities bill? With tariffs rising an average of 2.8% from the last quarter, it is time to take stock of how efficiently we’re utilising electricity in our homes. Here are some ways to help you fight the increase tariffs on your bills!

Hack 1: Switch off vampire plugs

Unknowingly, when appliances such as televisions, TV set-up boxes, speakers and microwave ovens are left on standby, they can suck up large amounts of electricity and account for up to 10% of our home electricity use. For instance, vampire power sockets can amount to an additional $25 per year while leaving the water heater on can lead to an additional $110 per year on your bill¹. Switch them off at the source and you can save up to S$135 a year².

Hack 2: Choose energy-efficient appliances with higher energy ratings

Check the energy labels before purchasing new appliances and choose appliances with 4 or 5-Tick Ratings. Though they may cost slightly more upfront, you will end up saving more over the lifetime of the appliance. For instance, using a 2-ticks air-conditioner as opposed to a 5-ticks set will potentially save you more than $270 per year³. Similarly, you can save up to $70 per year⁴ by using a 4-ticks refrigerator over one that is only rated 2-ticks.

Hack 3: Use LED lights

Thinking whether to choose LED bulbs, energy-saving lights or incandescent bulbs? Note that LED bulbs generally use the least amount of electricity to achieve the same level of brightness. By using LED lights, you can generate savings of up to S$35 per bulb, per year⁴. Moreover, LED lights have a longer lifespan, thereby giving you long term cost savings:

Hack 4: Stay at 25˚C

In our current climate, the air-conditioner has become almost a necessity and we tend to keep it on all throughout the day. However, do you know that you can save up to S$25 a year⁴ for every degree you raise? Try setting the temperature at a minimum of 25˚C instead, for the comfort of your wallet and yourself.

Hack 5: Go natural

As compared to air-conditioners, fans use less than 10% of the electricity when switched on for the same amount of time. So better yet, open up the windows, and switch to a fan! You can save up to S$840 a year⁵ by getting cool naturally!

If you apply all these hacks, you can potentially save more than $1,400 per year!

Bonus Hack: Use the DBS Electricity Marketplace to search, switch and save conveniently!

If you are looking to switch to an alternative electricity provider, DBS Electricity Marketplace can help you find a plan that suits you most based on your preferences. In addition, save time with conveniently pre-filled forms when you switch plans via your DBS iBanking login. Best of all, you can save over 20% on your electricity bill no matter which plan you select! Visit the DBS Electricity Marketplace now, and enjoy an easy reduction in electricity bills without affecting your daily usage

¹ Based on an electricity tariff of $0.2989 per kWh, assuming 35W of standby power in a home.
² Based on an electricity tariff of $0.27 per kWh of electricity, assuming a multi-split 7.5kW cooling capacity air-conditioner used 8 hours daily.
³ Based on an electricity tariff of $0.2989 per kWh, assuming a 400-litre refrigerator used 365 days a year.
⁴ Based on an electricity tariff of $0.2989 per kWh, assuming daily usage of 6 hours for 365 days a year.
⁵ Based on an electricity tariff of $0.2989 per kWh, assuming a single-split, 1000W air-conditioner and/or a 31W electric fan where relevant. Used for 365 days a year.

Sources: SP Group, NEA and Energy Efficient Singapore