Publication

14th July 2001, The Straits Times

Energy use by all households up

It has shot up tremendously since 1995, a survey found. Using current electricity tariffs, this means homes are paying $33 more each month

By SHARMILPAL KAUR

Homes equipped with energy-guzzling appliances and gadgets have resulted in bigger energy bills for many Singaporeans.

Since 1995, energy use in three-room flats has shot up by about 70 per cent while consumption for four- and five-room Housing Board flats rose by about a third.

Those living in one and two-room flats are also using more energy now. However, for private apartments, the consumption rate has risen very slightly, less than 1 per cent, a survey conducted by the Energy Market Authority found.

Using current electricity tariffs, this would mean that households are paying $33 more each month.

The survey of 1,200 households found that the pattern of higher energy consumption applied to all household types. The bigger the home, the more energy it used up.

Said EMA senior manager Abdul Rashid Ibrahim: 'People don't really care very much about energy efficiency. They are aware they can save energy, but it is difficult to change habits. I know of people who use electric blankets because the air-conditioner is too cold.'

Another energy-wasting habit is to leave appliances like the microwave and the television on standby.

He said: 'Standby energy can account for 10 per cent of the total energy consumed.'

Just by using more energy-efficient equipment and having good energy-savings habits, like switching the lights and appliances completely off after use, could mean a 20-per-cent increase in efficiency.

This translates to potential annual savings worth $184 million islandwide, he added.

But energy efficiency is often not the top priority among Singaporean shoppers. Price and design seem to matter more.

Said Mr K. M. Ang, 40, a service manager with Sanyo Airconditioners Singapore: ' We seldom have people asking about energy efficiency.'

But, according to calculations by Mr Ang and his colleague, technical officer Lau Hsiao Loong, 24, using a more energy-efficient appliance can make a big difference. They found that by using a more energy-efficient aircon, which can cool a four-room flat, it was possible to save $14 from an energy bill that would otherwise cost $60 a month.

The EMA will distribute leaflets showing how much energy different appliances consume through town councils and community centres by the end of the month.

Tips to save energy

CHOOSE the correct capacity of aircon.
To cool more rooms, install a split unit.
Use flat-panel display monitors in computers.
Dim the lights while watching television.
Use fluorescent tubes or compact fluorescent lamps instead of bulbs.
Use a single-wattage lamp rather than several low-wattage ones.
When using washing machines, wash with a full load, but do not overload.
Use the hot-water cycle only if necessary.
Choose the right size of refrigerator for your family's needs.
Ensure hot food is cooled before refrigerating, and cover all food and liquids.
Do not leave appliances on standby mode - switch them off completely.

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