With Kenya Power unrolling plans to increase electricity charges by 78%, consumers’ pockets are likely to be put under more strain. This, especially considering the current high cost of living in the country. That said, there are several ways electricity consumers can cut down on their electricity bills by up to 50%.

Some of them include:

1. Using energy-efficient appliances

Using energy-efficient appliances gives you a higher chance of reducing your electricity bill and lowering your carbon footprint. Energy-efficient appliances use less energy to perform the same functions as traditional appliances, saving you money on utility bills and helping reduce the number of greenhouse gases emitted into the environment.

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Energy-efficient appliances include LED light bulbs, Energy Star-certified refrigerators, and low-flow showerheads.

2. Unplugging electronics when not in use

Unplugging electronics when not in use, also known as “standby power” or “phantom load,” can help reduce your electricity usage and lower your electricity bill. Even when electronics are turned off, they can still consume a small amount of power if plugged in.

This is because many devices have standby power modes that allow them to continue receiving power to perform certain functions, such as receiving remote signals or charging batteries.

3. Using natural light

Using natural light can help reduce your electricity usage and lower your electricity bill. Natural light is a free and renewable source that can illuminate your home or office during the day.

By taking advantage of natural light, you can reduce your reliance on artificial lighting and save energy. There are several ways to use natural light in your home or office, such as:

• Installing skylights or solar tubes to bring natural light into rooms that don’t have windows
• Using light-coloured paint and window coverings to reflect light and brighten rooms
• Placing mirrors strategically to reflect natural light into dark corners
• Keeping windows clean to maximize the amount of light that enters the room

4. Using a programmable thermostat

Using a programmable thermostat can help reduce your energy usage and lower your electricity bill by allowing you to set a schedule for heating and cooling your home or office.

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With a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature lower when you are away or sleeping and higher when you are at home or awake. This helps reduce energy consumption and save you money on utility bills.

5. Investing in solar energy

Investing in solar energy can be a cost-effective way for Kenyans to reduce their dependence on grid-supplied electricity and lower their electricity bills. Solar energy is a renewable and sustainable source of energy that can be harnessed to generate electricity for homes, businesses, and communities.

Kenya has a high solar potential, with an average of 5-6 hours of sunshine per day in many parts of the country. This makes it an ideal location for solar energy production. There are several ways that Kenyans can invest in solar energy, such as:

• Installing solar panels in their homes or businesses to generate electricity for their use
• Investing in community-scale solar projects that provide electricity to multiple households or businesses
• Investing in large-scale solar power plants that generate electricity for the national grid

It’s also worth noting that some of these options may require a larger upfront investment, but they can save you money in the long run.