The electricity bill has become one of the most important expenses for both homes and businesses. Although we cannot control the price of energy, we can apply effective strategies to reduce consumption, optimise the contracted power and pay less each month. In this guide we explain the most useful and easy-to-apply steps.

1. Check your contracted power

The power is the fixed term of the bill: you pay whether you consume or not. Many
people have more power than necessary.

How to know if you have too much power

• If you never trip the circuit breaker (IGA), you can probably go down a stretch.
• In dwellings of 60/70m2 (with basic electricity) it is usually sufficient between 4,6KW and 5,7KW.

Why lower it

Reducing a single tranche can save up to between €40 and €120 per year, depending on the initial power.

2. Adjust your consumption schedules

If you have a tariff with hourly discrimination, take advantage of off-peak hours.

Examples

• Put washing machine and dishwasher on in the evening or early morning.
• Use the electric boiler in off-peak hours with a programmer.

Switching tariffs is usually free of charge and can reduce by up to 15% the annual cost.

3. Switch to efficient appliances

Household appliances account for a large share of consumption.

What to look for

• Energy label A, B or C.
• Low consumption (eco) functions.
• LED bulbs throughout the house.

An efficient refrigerator can save between 50 and €70 per year, only him.

4. Control stand-by

Televisions, routers, chargers or consoles continue to consume power even if they are «switched off».

Solution

• Use power strips with switches.
• Unplug chargers if not in use.

Stand-by can represent the 7-10% of power consumption.

5. Improve insulation and air conditioning

Heating and air conditioning are two of the biggest consumers.

Recommendations

• Keep the house at 19-21°C in winter and 24-26°C in summer.
• Use weather-stripping on doors and windows.
• Clean the air conditioning filters frequently.

Good insulation can reduce by up to 15% and one 30% of air-conditioning expenditure.

6. Consider solar energy

The installation of solar panels is becoming more and more widespread.

Benefits

• Reduction of up to 50-70% on the invoice.
• Surplus compensation.
• Subsidies and deductions.

7. Optimisation of insulation and enclosures

• Replace old windows with models with thermal break.
• Install weatherstripping on doors.
• Check ceilings and walls for thermal leaks.

Good insulation can reduce up to 30% air conditioning consumption.