GRAPPLING with the high cost of living in cities is one of the challenges faced by the urban population, especially impacting those within the B40 income bracket.
Forty residents from the low-medium cost apartment, Puncak Erskine in Tanjung Tokong, Penang, attended a workshop on “Energy Savings” conducted by the Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) on 15th December 2023. Ganesan Sivalingam, who facilitated the workshop, shared that CAP was determined to assist urban consumers in overcoming the rising cost of living. “Everyone is feeling the pinch. Prices of essential items have all gone up, so we must learn to be smart consumers and learn to be proactive in reducing unnecessary spending,” he said.
Saving energy, even in small ways, benefits both the environment and our wallets. “Fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and gas, used in electricity generation, are the largest contributors to global climate change. Reducing energy use decreases the demand for fossil fuels and the resulting pollution.
“There are many measures consumers can take at home to conserve energy - one way is to cut down on electricity consumption. Every action taken to save energy helps us save money and reduce our home’s environmental impact. This includes switching off or unplugging appliances not in use – something that is often overlooked,” said Ganesan. He added that all participants in the two-hour workshop were enthusiastic and engaged. “Some residents brought their electricity bills, and our CAP officers explained the tariff to them.”
Explaining how certain electrical appliances like a plugged-in laptop, phone, or tablet charger draw power continuously, Ganesan said, “Even when these appliances are not actively charging or in ‘standby mode,‘ they still consume power, often unknown to consumers. This is known as ‘standby power.’ This is known as ‘standby ‘power’. Some appliances, like ovens and air conditioners, utilise ‘passive standby’ mode, where they’re plugged in but switched off. This may power functions like displaying a clock or using an internal timer. Although appliances in passive standby mode use minimal power individually, it collectively adds up,” said Ganesan, advising participants to unplug unused appliances or chargers.
Ganesan also reminded residents to cultivate a habit of completely switching off and unplugging electrical devices like electric stoves, kettles, irons, washing machines, toasters, ovens, printers, and computers. “Remember to switch off main switches, unplug sockets, and turn off lights when not in use. Also consider using a smart power strip, designed to reduce power usage by cutting power to products in standby mode.
“When purchasing or replacing appliances, opt for energy-efficient products with an energy star rating, and minimise air conditioner and water heater usage,” said Ganesan. “An effective method to cool indoor temperatures is by growing house plants.”
Partipan Veloo, the secretary of the Puncak Erskine Joint Management Body, mentioned that since changing conventional light bulbs to LED ones, they have enjoyed great savings. “We save about 30% compared to our previous electricity bills. We also use timers for common area lights, covered under the management’s bill.
“For individual households in Puncak Erskine, bills range from RM30 to RM50 a month.
However, units with air conditioners may receive bills of up to RM150,” he added. Puncak Erskine comprises two blocks of apartments, each with 14 floors, alongside 5 levels of car park facilities and four operational lifts.