Why Does Power Consumption Rise?

Energy Conservation
Advisoryand Why Does Power Consumption Rise?

A residential customer who has not added a
new electric-powered appliance at home may be surprised if his or her power
consumption reads higher than before, especially this summer season. Usually,
higher energy consumption is traceable to other causes, which the customer is
not aware of or has overlooked.

Cotabato Light
andamp Power Company would
like to share with you other factors affecting energy consumptionand

1. An increase in
the number of users and/or frequency of use of some types of appliances,
particularly electric irons, electric stoves or ovens, air conditioners, and
refrigerators. As the household gets bigger, hosts more
guests, or celebrates more occasions, the use of these appliances tends to
increase.

2. Appliances and
electronic devices are plugged in even when not in use

On/Standby power consumes 2-10 watts or
6-10% of your appliance consumption. These devices, which emit a red light, are
considered phantom load and are still operating even when you think they are
turned off. It is best to unplug appliances when not in use.

3. Prolonged or
heavier usage of air conditioning units, electric fans, dehumidifiers, and
refrigerators during summer or hot periods due to higher levels of humidity

During the hot and humid months, users tend
to use more heavily their household cooling appliances such as
air-conditioners, electric fans to lessen the humidity and high temperature.

4. Seasonal
factors, other than climate-related, that enable or induce more people to stay
at home and make heavier or extended use of electric appliances

These periods include school breaks and
vacations, the Christmas season, the fasting month of Ramadhan, holidays and
other festivities, as well as other occasions such as family reunions.

5. Replacement of
light bulbs or lamps with others of higher wattage

6. Defective
magnetic rubber gasket of refrigerator

If the gasket is no longer airtight, it
allows cold air to escape from the refrigerator, forcing the compressor (the
refrigerator’s motor) to work harder to maintain temperature at the desired
setting.

7. Reduced
efficiency of appliances

Old-model appliances are often less
energy-efficient than newer models. But even late-model appliances suffer from
wear and tear over time, making them less energy-efficient, too. Regular
cleaning and maintenance of appliances will extend their lifetime as well as
energy efficiency.

8. Defective
automatic control for electric water pumps and similar gadgets

Remember! Once in
control of energy usage, you can be in a better position to manage your monthly
bill.

CLPC would like to
remind its customers that energy consumption is dependent on wattage rating or
size of the appliances (the higher the wattage, the higher the consumption),
duration of usage (number of hours used for each appliance), number of days
used, as well as the user’s needs and behavior in the use of electric
appliances.

Better
understanding of electricity means better savings. Use electricity wisely to
save money!