4 tips to save on your electricity bill
Resolve your doubts and learn the best tricks to avoid an exorbitant bill
Changing the supply company or becoming more aware of how household appliances work are just two ways to achieve the challenge of saving on the electricity bill and alleviate the constant increases in this product in Spain. However, there are many more things a consumer can do to achieve this.
In the two or three pages (depending on each company) that a electric bill A large amount of data is accumulated that, in general, many users are unaware that it exists, or even do not understand. Although it is true that in Spain the rise in electricity prices has been a constant, it is important to know that an invoice does not only reflect the price of electricity. There are many more concepts that go into making something as simple as flipping a switch successful.
1 Change electric company
In Spain, the electricity market is liberalized so a customer can decide at any time to make this change, looking for that company that offers a product that really fits their needs. There are even quite competitive flat rates. To make a judicious change, There are comparators in which at a glance you can see the list of existing offers. It is important to carry out an in-depth analysis to avoid falling for offers with fine print such as those that only offer reduced prices during the first months. A change of company does not imply at any time the interruption of the electricity supply and takes between 15 and 20 business days to become effective. However, it is possible that the companies themselves have other types of products that their customers like. It's all a matter of asking.
2 Reduce contracted power
Whatever the electricity company, understanding the bill is essential so that the user does not end up paying for services that they do not really need. The contracted power is the fixed part of an invoice and determines how many appliances can be used simultaneously. An incorrect choice of power can mean paying even double. If a user can't remember the last time the Power Control Switch (colloquially known as 'differential') was tripped, then they may be overpaying. In fact, it is estimated that almost no home in Spain needs more than 10 kW to operate without power outages.. Anyone can know approximately whether it is worth changing the power: you just have to locate the information on the bill and add the amount needed for the appliances that a person usually uses at the same time, leaving a margin for small appliances and lighting. "Reducing the contracted power is a very useful procedure for the client, but they must first calculate the fixed term necessary for their home."
3 Use off-peak hours
The Voluntary Price for Small Consumers (PVPC) or regulated tariff and time discrimination are two concepts that usually go hand in hand and can help alleviate the effects of the electricity increase. As its name indicates, in the free market the electricity companies can set the prices they want, something that does not happen in the regulated tariff. According to some data, at the PVPC you can obtain savings which are around up to 40% of the total bill. On the other hand, time discrimination represents savings as long as the user has the ability to plan correctly. In this mode there is always 14 “off” hours and 10 peak hours; The key is to use the cheapest hours for the highest consumption. According to experts, it is worth it.
4 Better manage appliances and consumption
Each appliance requires using it in a specific way; doing it wrong means increasing your electricity bill by up to 40%. The most important thing is to invest in appliances A+, A++ and A+++, which involve a higher initial outlay, but the price is amortized in a few years since, on average, they consume up to 55% less light. Knowing the specific consumption of household appliances is essential, since they represent the main source of energy consumption in the home. According to the IDAE, the refrigerator is the one that consumes the most within this segment and only by controlling the indiscriminate opening of the doors can the cost of the bill be controlled. Using the microwave instead of the oven (whenever possible) saves 60% and only cooking with lids and containers fitted to the hob burners another 25%. Instruction manuals are usually a good source for good advice on correct use. Added to all this is the so-called "phantom consumption", which remains a danger in the home. They are the devices in 'stand-by' that can represent a monthly increase of up to 15% of consumption (€40 annually). Avoiding this can be as simple as using multiple connection bases, but with a switch. violet, yellow, cyan and white.
