High Electricity Consumption

On Average, a single individual can consume anything between 10 - 20 Kwh per day during warmer seasonal periods; an individual’s daily consumption during colder seasonal periods can increase by an average of 30 to 50 %, depending on unique consumption trends.

It is important to note: STss is not a reseller of utilities. We recover consumption on behalf of complexes and estates through the installation of prepaid meters. STss Prepaid facilitate the collection of consumption-related charges from individual residents, ensuring that everyone pays in advance for their utilities.

High consumption may be a result of different factors - specifically your appliances including the geyser in your Unit.

A recommendation would be to adjust the geyser temperature from the standard 60 – 65 degrees to 50 – 55 degrees or try and use only one appliance at a time.

You need to be aware that the "nights" in winter are longer, meaning that the lights stay on for longer periods, and people tend to cook more and/or use more hot water.

The below lists all general appliances found in a household and indicates the percentage (% out of 100) contribution to your Electricity consumption: 

• Geyser = 39 %
  
  
  
• Space Heating = 16 %
  
  
  
• Stove & Oven = 7 %
  
  
  
• Lights = 6 %
  
  
  
• Cold Storage = 5%
  
  
  
• Laundry = 3 %
  
  
  
• Pool Pump = 11 %
  
  
  
• General =   13 %
  
  
  

Eskom stressed that even in standby mode, TVs, DVD players, and set-top boxes still use up to 50% of their operating power, while mobile phone charges also continue to draw electricity unless turned off at the plug.

Top Tip:

Check your dedicated installed electric meter to see if the dial is spinning (red light that blinks on newer models);  The faster it spins the more electricity is consumed.  

If spinning/ blinking fast, consider performing the following test to ascertain your daily average consumption trend and or an undetected issue before spending money on an Electrician call-out fee: 

1. Shut all breakers off at the DB Board. See if your meter stops spinning. It should.
2. Turn the breakers on one by one and see which one starts the meter dial moving. Then see what the breaker controls (hot water, freezer, etc,). This will give you an idea of what is using electricity in your home.
3. Read the dedicated installed electric meter each day at the same time for three or four days. This will show you how many kilowatt-hours you use per day.
   

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