Electricity consumption is influenced by a combination of factors, and usage patterns can vary significantly between households and seasons. During winter, for example, consumption typically increases due to colder temperatures and longer nights — resulting in greater use of heaters, more frequent boiling of kettles, increased cooking, and extended lighting hours. On average, the largest contributors to household electricity usage are geysers (±39%), followed by heaters (±16%), general household appliances such as TVs and computers (±12%), pool pumps (±11%), and kitchen appliances such as stoves and ovens (±7%). It is also important to note that many appliances continue to draw power even when on standby, which can meaningfully impact overall consumption if not managed.

1. Manage your geyser usage
Your geyser is typically the largest contributor to electricity consumption (±39%).

• Install a geyser timer to heat water only when needed
• Set the temperature between 50–60°C
• Avoid leaving the geyser on continuously

2. Be mindful of heating in winter
Heaters consume significant power.

• Use electric blankets or additional bedding instead of heaters where possible
• Limit heater usage to occupied rooms only

3. Reduce standby power consumption
Appliances still draw electricity even when not in active use.

• Switch off TVs, decoders, gaming consoles and chargers at the plug
• Use plug timers for items that do not need to run continuously

4. Use energy-efficient lighting

• Replace older globes with LED bulbs, which use substantially less electricity
• Switch off lights in unoccupied rooms

5. Optimise kitchen usage

• Only boil the amount of water needed in the kettle
• Use a thermos flask to store hot water and reduce repeated boiling
• Avoid opening the fridge/freezer unnecessarily
  
• Consider using energy-efficient appliances such as air fryers or air fryer ovens, which generally consume significantly less electricity than conventional ovens — over time, this can result in meaningful cost savings

6. Monitor high-consumption appliances
Items such as pool pumps, air conditioners and ovens can significantly impact usage.

• Limit run times where possible
• Ensure appliances are well maintained and operating efficiently

7. Understand your consumption

• Take regular meter readings to track usage trends
• If you suspect unusually high consumption, isolate circuits at your DB board to identify the source
• Report suspected meter faults for investigation

8. Small behaviour changes make a big difference
Simple daily habits — switching off unused appliances, reducing hot water usage, and being conscious of consumption — collectively have a meaningful impact on your electricity costs.