Simple ways to improve your energy efficiency

[irneb]

Here's the tips from Eskom themselves (for residential use): http://www.eskomdsm.co.za/resdsaving.php

And then fro commerial (http://www.eskomdsm.co.za/commercialsaving_a.php) and industrial (http://www.eskomdsm.co.za/industrialsaving_a.php).

Then some international sites regarding power saving appliances & tips:
http://www.saskpower.com/power_saver/power_saver.shtml
http://www.powernet.co.nz/consumer/p...ving_tips.html
http://technocrat.net/d/2006/3/16/1404

[rohor]

I dont believe that the trick is saving electrical consumption in general, because if it is "saved" at the wrong time, there is no benefit.

The trick is to reduced demand at peak times.

[duncan drennan]

Adjust your air conditioners for more efficient operation. Eskom estimates that HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) makes up 15% (5400MW) of SA's peak consumption.

The best (short term) solution is to turn off you air conditioners! Check your building insulation and make sure you are not trying to cool (or heat) a sieve for hot air.

If turning off your aircons is not an option, then at least run them more efficiently. In the mornings use the fan to circulate cool air from outside into the buildings. As the day heats, turn them to cooling, but try to run them as close to the outside temperature as possible, and always within 10º of the outside temperature. Ensure that aircons are turned off (or adjusted) when the building starts to empty. (read the complete details on Eskom's HVAC page)

I was quite interested to see that China has energy police who enforce that aircons are no lower than 26ºC!