In Pakistan, summertime means brutal heat waves and higher electricity costs. Our constant partners in the fight against the unrelenting heat are air conditioners. However, the cost of this comfort can be extremely high
Here are some tips that can help you reduce your power usage and manage your WAPDA bill this summer.
Air Conditioning:
To maximize energy savings on your air conditioner, prioritize smart temperature settings. Every 2°C increase can significantly reduce consumption, so aim for a comfortable range between 24°C and 26°C.
Don’t forget regular maintenance! Clean your air conditioner filters to prevent restricted airflow and wasted energy.
Compared to traditional air conditioners, inverter air conditioners use between 40 and 60 percent less electricity, making them very energy-efficient. In the Pakistani market, inverter air conditioners are more expensive than regular air conditioners. However, switching to such energy-efficient products will help you reduce your summertime electricity costs in the long run.
LED Lights:
Another way to save energy this summer is to ditch your old incandescent bulbs and replace them with LEDs. These bulbs are a game-changer. They use a fraction of the energy compared to incandescents, but provide the same level of brightness. This translates to significant savings on your electricity bill.
Standby Devices:
Even off, electronics plugged in use a small amount of power, adding to your bill. Unplug chargers, TVs, and other electronics when not in use to eliminate this “phantom load” and save money.
Peak Hours:
Electricity bills tend to increase during peak hours. According to LESCO, the peak hours in 2024 hours will be:
- March to May: Peak hours shift from 6 PM to 10 PM.
- June to August: Peak hours extend from 7 PM to 11 PM.
- September to November: They return from 6 PM to 10 PM
For the detailed unit per price electricity information visit the LECSCO website.
Smart Meters:
Forget manual meter readings! Smart meters provide real-time data on your energy use, letting you see how each appliance impacts your bill. This lets you adjust your habits and identify peak usage times to save money.
Calculate Your WAPDA Bill:
An article by Paradigm Shift, explains in a few simple steps how to calculate your WAPDA electricity bill:
First, note down the current 5-digit reading on your meter (ignoring the red digits).
Then, find the previous month’s reading from your bill. Subtract the previous reading from the current one to determine the units consumed.
Next, multiply these units used by your billing rate per kWh (found on your bill or by contacting your utility provider). This gives you the base cost of electricity.
Finally, add any additional charges like fixed fees and taxes (often a percentage of the base cost) for a more accurate estimate of your total monthly electricity bill.
To check your WAPDA electricity bill online, follow this guide that explains it step-by-step.