I have the idea that we Portuguese only really save when we have to: during the Troika period and later during the pandemic. culturally, we see savings as a bad thingfull of sacrifices and we only take it seriously when it’s a necessity.What I want to convey to you, in a clear way, is that we would gain a lot as a people and as individuals, if we face our expenses and consumption in an efficient way and not from the perspective of saving as an end.
Where to start?
Our daily aim in everything should be use only what we need and what we want, and not spend without discretion and then have to save when we can’t stand the pace. That’s what happens with electricity. Look at the following scenario: you spend 400 kWh a month – no matter what – on electricity, and you pay 21 cents for every kWh. That is, you will pay 84 euros of electricity in total. And complains that it’s a lot, but it pays. Here it goes try to find a cheaper company to “save”. If you manage to lower the kWh price to 19 cents, you will pay 76 euros for the same consumption. You save 7 euros, more or less, per month.But if – consciously – you decide spend only the electricity you really needwithout waste, and manage to reduce its consumption to 300 kWh, even with the most expensive price, manages to reduce its monthly bill to 63 euros. Less 21 euros per month. We are talking about 252 euros per year. Apart from the possible savings from the price reduction for changing companies. What does reducing consumption involve? It involves bringing the family together and outlining strategies and goals. The criterion can even be environmental and not financial. Read more: Find out how to choose the best electricity supplier
How you can reduce your electricity consumption
Can get savings from 100% on your electricity consumption if you adopt some behaviors that, if regular, are really a real savings in the sum of all of them: Do not turn on lights during the day Do not turn on the air conditioning without real need Do not use the tumble dryer if you can lay it out in the sun (yes, before the invention of these machines was how it was done)Ironing only for the necessary time (do not leave the iron on without using it)Turn off the computer if you are not using itTurn off all standby settingsWhen using the oven, cook several dishes at the same timeOpt for more efficient heating (oil heaters are unthinkable, replace with gas heating) Doing energy efficient works at home (changing windows can avoid turning on heating next winter) Old fridges and freezers are to be thrown away (recycle) as much as possible. as soon as possibleLights other than LED should not have existed in your home for many yearsIf you can install at least one solar panel you will reduce all small consumptions to zero s during the dayBeing a ruthless watt scavenger in your homeRead more: Use smart meters to save on electricity
Savings are in non-waste
With these small suggestions, I guarantee that you will get reduce your electricity consumption by many tens of kWh. That’s the big savings in your hands if you want to reduce your electricity bill. Of course, all others are cumulative. I know it’s very complicated when someone tells you they have to change behaviors if you want to change something. But once you get into the rut, you’ll be amazed how you didn’t start doing things earlier in your life. correctly and intelligently. Savings are not in wasting and then trying to pay for the waste as cheaply as possible. The biggest savings are in non-waste. The other forms of savings are secondary. And this lesson can take you to all areas of your life. Also read: Watch your electricity bill 
Pedro Andersson was born in 1973 and fell in love with journalism as a teenager, at Rádio Clube da Covilhã. He graduated in Social Communication at the University of Beira Interior and began his professional career at TSF. In 2000, he was invited to be one of the founding journalists of SIC Notícias. Currently, he continues at SIC, as a coordinating journalist, and since 2011 he has been responsible for the “Savings Accounts” section, dedicated to personal finance. He tries to bring the reality of everyday life to the reports he makes. Tags #electricity, #energy, #savings