Electricity Tariffs To Increase By 9.3% For Next 3 Months But Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Be Worried

For some people, working from home is a dream come true, as they can sleep longer hours, avoid commuting, and spend more time with their family.

For others, it’s a living nightmare, as they find it difficult to be productive at home, can’t see their colleagues, and have to spend more time with their family.

Recently, as part of the easing of some restrictions, more workers were allowed to return to their workplaces, albeit only for half their workweek.

If you haven’t received a call from your boss yet, you might be celebrating.

But I’m afraid I have some bad news for you.

Electricity Tariffs To Increase By 9.3%

On Wednesday (30 Sep), SP Group announced that the electricity tariff for households will increase by about 9.3% for the October to December period, excluding Goods and Services Tax (GST).

According to CNA, the tariff will increase from 19.6 cents per kWh in the previous quarter to 21.43 cents per kWh – an increase of 1.83 cents.

1.83 cents sounds like a measly sum, but it could end up amounting to two cups of bubble tea a month, or one expensive plate of Nasi Padang.

To be less vague, the revised tariff could lead to a $7 increase for the average monthly electricity bill for families living in four-room flats, said SP Group.

Yes, still better than the spike most people experienced in July 2020.

Still, even though the tariff has risen by nearly 10%, the new tariff, as well as that of the previous quarter, are still the lowest in the last three years.

But why? Why the increase? And more importantly, why now?

Higher Energy Costs

According to SP Group, the increase this quarter was due to “higher energy costs”.

These costs, they said, form a “major component of the electricity tariff and is paid to power generation companies.”

They added that electricity tariffs are reviewed every quarter based on guidelines set by the Energy Market Authority (EMA), the electricity industry regulator.

EMA has approved the latest revision, according to CNA.

How to Save Electricity When Working From Home

Your electricity bill is bound to rise with you working from home and spending more time on Netflix, but there are a few ways you can save electricity.

1. Avoid Distractions, Be More Productive

You might be tempted to watch cute cat videos on YouTube throughout the day, but this will only lead to longer screen time, and, in turn, a higher electricity bill.

Try avoiding all distractions so you can be more productive. This will help you save a little electricity.

2. Use Natural Light Whenever Possible

Unless you work from 9pm to 6am, you can make use of the glorious sun throughout the day to light up your house.

Setting up your workstation near a window will allow you to work without using your room’s overhead lighting.

Not only will it save electricity, but sunlight can also boost your mood and productivity.

3. Use Energy-efficient Appliances

If you prefer the bright, blinding white light of your room, make sure to use energy-efficient appliances such as energy-saving light bulbs to lower your energy consumption.

4. Meal Prep

Bet you didn’t see this one coming, did you?

Since the microwave is the most energy-efficient appliance in your kitchen, you should try meal preps, just as you would when working in the office, as it saves time and energy.

5. Use Fans Instead of AC

If your office is anything like the Goody Feed office, hibernating bears could comfortably sleep there, as it’s colder than all our jokes.

While you may be tempted to blast that sweet air-conditioning all day long, this will only lead to high electricity bills.

Try blasting your fans instead. Sitting near an open window can also keep you cool.

Read Also: Household Received an Electricity Bill of Over $1K for July When It Has Always Been Less Than $100 Per Month