EDP provides energy efficiency guidance as part of "Earth Hour"

Tuesday 22, March 2016

On the occasion of the symbolic gesture, the concessionaire says that rational consumption contributes to energy savings and to the fight against climate change

Next Saturday, March 19, for one hour, people from all over the world will turn off the lights in their homes and businesses as part of a campaign against global warming. Titled "Earth Hour", this symbolic event has been held annually since 2009 by the WWF, an international NGO working in the areas of conservation, research and environmental recovery.

With the aim of raising energy efficiency awareness and supporting the global initiative, EDP Brasil - a company engaged in energy generation, trading and supply - stresses the importance of everyday activities for energy savings and lists some curiosities about power consumption in home appliances.

A few simple day-to-day changes can help minimize electricity waste, preserve natural resources, and reduce monthly electricity bills.

Know how much energy is consumed by various appliances:

Type of Appliance Average Power (watts) Days of use per month Average time of use (day) Average monthly consumption (kWh)

Refrigerator 200 30 10h* 60 Freezer 400 30 10h* 120 Shower 3500 30 40min** 70 Resistance Oven 1500 30 1h 45 Dishwasher 1500 30 40min 30 Fan 100 30 8h 24 20" TV 90 30 5h 13.5 Microwave 1300 30 20min 13 Washing machine 1500 12 30min 9 Clothes dryer 3500 30 1h 42 Computer with printer 250 30 3h 22.5

Tips and curiosities

A 7,500 BTU/h window-type air conditioner in São Paulo, for example, if on for eight hours a day, spends an average of 126 KWh per month. The equipment can cause an increase of up to 118% in the energy bill of a household with an average consumption of 150 kWh per month; in other words, the monthly bill can skyrocket from R$99 to about R$216.

  • An Inmetro survey shows that a family spends on average R$20 to R$30 per month in a two-bedroom house with incandescent bulb lighting. By replacing these with fluorescent bulbs, the monthly cost drops to R$4.

  • Whenever possible, shower heads should be used in "summer" mode, which reduces consumption by about 30%. In addition, using a burned resistance can lead to a consumption increase.

  • 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.

  • Efficient appliances demand more from the electrical system, so keeping a balanced internal wiring is crucial.

  • The Procel Seal identifies appliances with an A rating under Inmetro National Energy Conservation Label (ENCE), which means that appliances with this certification are more efficient and contribute to the preservation of the environment, in addition to reducing monthly bills without sacrificing comfort.

To learn more about energy efficiency and electrical safety, go to: www.edp.com.br, where EDP also provides a complete home appliance consumption table.

*The amount may vary between states due to fee and tax differences.