Today, the electricity bill has become a reason for worry and stress. In 2021, the price of electricity has reached record figures in the country due to various factors that affect generation and marketing costs. As a result of this increase, it is necessary to think about how to save energy and look for alternatives to reduce the impact on the pocket.
We review the causes of the price increase, as well as some simple actions that can help you reduce your electricity consumption and sustainable and useful alternatives to obtain energy.
Why the price of electricity has risen
According to a recent publication by the Bank of Spain, current electricity rates are related to the prices of gas, the fuel used by power plants. Another determining factor is the increase in the costs of CO emission rights2, with a smaller impact, but equally relevant .
A large part of the amount of your invoice comes from the tax that must be paid by the industries that use fossil fuels. These industries generate high levels of CO2, according to the criteria of the Emission Rights Trading Regime of the European Union, which seeks to reduce the production of greenhouse gases.
The regulatory body assigns an allowed volume of free issuance, which if it is not enough must be complemented with the purchase of more rights. The electricity industry, which generates high levels of polluting gases, has to pay more, which affects the final price.
For its part, gas has had a significant increase in the international market. Among the reasons is the economic recovery, as the industries that had to stop their activities due to the pandemic are beginning to start their engines. The arrival of the cold months also influences, since increases the commercial and domestic demand for the use of heating .
Some measures to save energy at home
If you consume less, you pay less. This simple logic should always be present when thinking about how to save electrical energy. However, sometimes it is difficult to find a way to do it and it is normal to think that you have already cut everything possible. For this reason, we have collected eight simple, but effective measures that can make a difference.
1. Use only what you really need
It seems obvious, but it is often overlooked. Having the television or computer on while you use your mobile, for example, is very common. Consider that this behavior can represent more than half of what you consume daily and make sure to turn off the devices that you are not using.
2. Avoid phantom consumption
Many electrical devices such as coffee makers, microwaves, decoders, televisions and even the router, continue to consume energy even when they are turned off. This is the reason why unplugging them should be a priority, especially when leaving the house or at night, when surely no one is going to use them.
3. Replaces conventional bulbs
Energy-saving light bulbs will be your best allies. Not only do require between five and seven times less voltage than traditional ones , but they also have a longer lifespan, resulting in more savings.
4. Take advantage of natural light
Lighting represents a large part of the electricity bill, so even if you have low consumption bulbs, it is best to take advantage of daylight. Open the windows, roll up the blinds, and be sure to do activities that require light when the sun has not yet set.
5. Set the thermostat reasonably
In summer days, the temperature of the air conditioner can be at 24°C, while during the cold season a heating close to 20°C will be enough. Complement it with the use of appropriate clothing and avoid that degree above or below that will be reflected at the end of the month.
6. Reduce heater temperature
Sometimes it's hard to figure out how to save energy in winter, but bath time can be key. The 60 °C that heaters usually have by default are not only high for human use, but also add to the bill. That's why it's better to set the equipment from 35°C to 40°C, because that way your bathrooms will still be warm, but without consuming as much electricity.
7. Use the washing machine efficiently
It is preferable that you accumulate dirty clothes and wash when you have a full load than doing it every day with few clothes. Also try to use cold water and set short wash cycles.
8. Lean on technology
There are more and more applications that help to have smart consumption. Most of them tell you the current price per kilowatt, when is the best time to use the highest consumption appliances and even simulate the scenario of your home with connected devices. From there, they reflect where the most spending is generated, so you can make better decisions about the use of electricity.
Other alternatives to save energy
The use of sustainable alternatives for the production of electricity is gaining more and more ground as a method of saving. And it is that they not only allow you to enjoy continuous electrical energy, but also help reduce polluting emissions that cause so much damage to the environment. Although there are many options, we can highlight:
- Solar generators: they are made up of plates that take advantage of sunlight to produce energy that is then stored in batteries of different capacities. These generators can be autonomous, so they do not depend on the traditional electricity networkand only imply expenses acquisition and maintenance.
- Wind turbines:take advantage of the mechanical energy of the wind to convert it into electricity. They are a good alternative to provide places with constant air currents.
Electricity is a necessity in everyone's life, but it is essential to learn how to use it responsibly. Considering how to save energy and pursuing a conscious reduction in electricity consumption has become something as daily as it is important, with an impact that goes beyond economics. Luckily, with conscious actions implemented globally, it is possible to reduce the ecological footprint and move towards a more sustainable future.
