Does it 'cost' to save FAQs

Q: Does it ‘cost’ to save?
A: If you save electricity you can also save money, even before you spend a single rand. Do the no cost actions and you’re on your way to saving at least 10%. Investing less than R1 000 will save more and investing in options like solar water heating and insulation will save you the most – up to 50% on your electricity costs, and you will improve the value of your home at the same time.

No cost changes:

Easy to do changes that are the foundation of smart living

• Turn geyser temperature down to 60°C
• Use less hot water:
• Shower instead of bath
• Take shorter showers
• Wash full load of dishes, not one at a time
• Wash clothing in cold water
• Switch off equipment at the wall when not in use. It costs to keep equipment on standby
• Cut pool pump operating hours to a minimum
• Try not to heat or cool your home too much

Low cost options – under R1 000:

• Install an efficient showerhead
• Insulate your geyser and the hot water pipes
• Change to energy-efficient lighting

Invest to save actions:

Investments that create greater long-term savings

• Install a solar water heater
• Insulate your ceilings and the rest of your home

Take a look at these electricity saving scenarios:

Scenario 1

“Southern/northern suburb empty-nesters”: Couple in a 2-bedroom home with 1 geyser, bath and an electric stove. 

• Average annual bill in 2012: R13332  (average monthly bill R778)
  
• No-cost steps taken: R614 in savings per year 
  
• Low-cost steps taken: R1 914 in savings per year 
  
• Invest-to-save steps taken: R2 853 in savings per year
  

Scenario 2

“Landsdowne middle-class strivers”: Family of 6 in a 3-bedroom home with 1 geyser and an electric stove. 

• Average annual bill in 2012: R21 232 (average monthly bill R1 769)
  
• No-cost steps taken: R2 055 in savings per year 
  
• Low-cost steps taken: R3 253 in savings per year 
  
• Invest-to-save steps taken: R3 761 in savings per year
  

Scenario 3

“Camps Bay affluent”: Family of 3 in a 5-bedroom home with 2 geysers, gas stove, under floor heating and a swimming pool. 

• Average annual bill in 2012: R31 239 (average monthly R2 603)
  
• No-cost steps taken: R1 552 in savings per year 
  
• Low-cost steps taken: R5 037 in savings per year 
  
• Invest-to-save steps taken: R5 281 in savings per year