Customers change habits to reap Energy Efficiency benefits | EDP Brasil

Energy Efficiency

This concept has become more and more a part of people lives, but many are still unaware of its meaning and benefits. All forms of rational energy use may be considered energy efficiency.

Applicable in households, by changing deep-rooted habits, in corporate environments such as offices or small and medium-sized companies, and even in industrial facilities, the concept goes hand in hand with awareness of the importance of environmental resources, and the results translate into cheaper electricity bills and less energy waste.

And the week in which World Energy Efficiency Day (March 5) is celebrated, EDP - the electricity distributor for Alto Tietê, Vale do Paraíba and the North Coast of São Paulo - helps customers learn more about rational electricity use while offering better performance and savings.

"Financial savings and optimized production are some of the major benefits of energy efficiency in domestic, corporate and industrial environments," says EDP institutional relations Director Marcos Scarpa.

"Some habit changes can minimize waste and, hence, improve energy efficiency levels and reduce electricity bill costs", Scarpa points out.

Air conditioning systems and refrigerators are the largest consumers of electricity among home appliances. For better energy efficiency results, it is important to check the ratings on the PROCEL (National Program for Electric Energy Conservation) seals. The higher the rating, the more efficient the appliance is; therefore, whenever possible, you should choose A rated appliances.

"It is worth mentioning that efficient appliances are more demanding as far the electrical grid is concerned, so keeping a balanced internal wiring is crucial," says Marcos Scarpa when commenting on the need for adequate load sizing in the household electrical grid. Scarpa points out that showers are also listed as energy consumption villains and says that it is best to keep them in ummer" mode - in which the appliance consumes less energy.

Current leakage is one of the major causes of high energy consumption. Incorrect wire splicing, loose connections, bare wires or worn out insulation can cause current leakage.

Other precautions can also boost household energy efficiency:

Electric shower

• Shower as quickly as possible. The ideal is to have a 5 to 8-minute shower;
• On hot days, keep the temperature switch in "summer" mode (savings can reach up to 30%);
• Don"t try to reuse a burned resistance, this increases energy consumption.

Air conditioning

• Use only when strictly necessary and keep doors and windows well closed to prevent air from entering from the outside;
• Make sure that the thermostat is working correctly;
• If possible, install it where there is no direct sunlight exposure.

Refrigerator and freezer

• The rubber door seal must always be in good condition, to prevent cold air from escaping;
• Keep the refrigerator in a ventilated place, away from walls direct sunlight exposure and away from the stove;
• Don"t use the back of the refrigerator to dry clothes;
• Don"t leave the refrigerator open, and do not open it unless it necessary;
• Don"t put hot food in the fridge.

Lighting

• Replacing incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent or LED bulbs can be a gradual process, starting with the most often-used room; 
• A family spends an average of R$20 to R$30 per month in a two-bedroom house with incandescent light bulbs. By replacing them with fluorescents bulbs, the cost will drop to R$4. 

It is worth mentioning that some energy fees, such as ICMS*, are based on consumption rates: the more kW/h, the more taxes you have to pay.

*The State Tax on the Circulation of Goods and Services (ICMS) in São Paulo changes according to the customer consumption tier. Up to 90 kWh/month, consumers are exempt; from 91 to 200 kWh/month there is a 12% increase, and above 201 kWh/month, a 25% increase over consumption.