Energy Conservation Advisory: Why Does Power Consumption Rise?

A residential customer who has not added a new electric-powered appliance at home may be surprised if his or her power consumption reads higher than before, especially this summer season. Usually, higher energy consumption is traceable to other causes, which the customer is not aware of or has overlooked.   

Cotabato Light & Power Company would like to share with you other factors affecting energy consumption:

1. An increase in the number of users and/or frequency of use of some types of appliances, particularly electric irons, electric stoves or ovens, air conditioners, and refrigerators. 

As the household gets bigger, hosts more guests, or celebrates more occasions, the use of these appliances tends to increase.   

2. Appliances and electronic devices are plugged in even when not in use 

On/Standby power consumes 2-10 watts or 6-10% of your appliance consumption. These devices, which emit a red light, are considered “phantom load” and are still operating even when you think they are turned off. It is best to unplug appliances when not in use.   

3. Prolonged or heavier usage of air conditioning units, electric fans, dehumidifiers, and refrigerators during summer or “hot periods” due to higher levels of humidity 

During the hot and humid months, users tend to use more heavily their household cooling appliances such as air-conditioners, electric fans to lessen the humidity and high temperature.   

4. Seasonal factors, other than climate-related, that enable or induce more people to stay at home and make heavier or extended use of electric appliances 

These periods include school breaks and vacations, the Christmas season, the fasting month of Ramadhan, holidays and other festivities, as well as other occasions such as family reunions.   

5. Replacement of light bulbs or lamps with others of higher wattage   

6. Defective magnetic rubber gasket of refrigerator 

If the gasket is no longer airtight, it allows cold air to escape from the refrigerator, forcing the compressor (the refrigerator’s motor) to work harder to maintain temperature at the desired setting.   

7. Reduced efficiency of appliances 

Old-model appliances are often less energy-efficient than newer models. But even late-model appliances suffer from wear and tear over time, making them less energy-efficient, too. Regular cleaning and maintenance of appliances will extend their lifetime as well as energy efficiency.   

8. Defective automatic control for electric water pumps and similar gadgets   

Remember! Once in control of energy usage, you can be in a better position to manage your monthly bill.   

Cotabato Light would like to remind its customers that energy consumption is dependent on wattage rating or size of the appliances (the higher the wattage, the higher the consumption), duration of usage (number of hours used for each appliance), number of days used, as well as the user’s needs and behavior in the use of electric appliances.   

Better understanding of electricity means better savings. Use electricity wisely to save money!