Save Electricity Save Pakistan

How to Save Electricity to Save Bill?

Pakistan is currently facing a severe energy crisis on two fronts: a shortfall in electricity supply and high electricity costs. In the past, Pakistani leaders failed to meet growing electricity demands, and when they finally addressed the issue under urgent conditions, they made hasty agreements for expensive electricity, such as capacity charge contracts with private power plants. These agreements primarily rely on fossil fuels and have resulted in substantial fixed costs that the government must pay whether or not these plants are operational. This oversight left alternative sources, like affordable hydropower, solar, and wind energy, largely neglected, and now these private power agreements are an economic burden on Pakistan. Consequently, 27 plants are currently idle due to fuel shortages or maintenance issues, leading to a significant shortfall of 8,000 to 9,000 megawatts. 

Even if these plants become operational, the cost of electricity for consumers will remain high and is expected to increase further. Additionally, Pakistan’s grid can only handle 22,000 MW, meaning that even if more electricity is generated, the system lacks the capacity to deliver it effectively to users.

Planning for Household Electricity Savings

Given this reality, conserving electricity within our homes is essential for reducing costs and alleviating strain on the national grid. Here are practical strategies for managing power usage across common household appliances:

·      Lighting: LED bulbs are a highly efficient choice compared to traditional tube lights, spotlights, or energy savers. LED lighting significantly reduces power consumption, especially during evening and nighttime hours.

·      Fans: In hot climates, fans are essential and often run around the clock. Invest in fans from reputable brands known for energy efficiency.

·      Refrigerators: Use a DC inverter refrigerator, adjusting the temperature based on seasonal needs. For example, set the fridge to 4°C and the freezer to -15°C. Avoid storing excessive or old food in the refrigerator, as it adds unnecessary load.

·      Air Conditioners (ACs): Once considered a luxury, ACs are now common but costly to run, given rising electricity rates. To optimize AC usage:

o   Set the temperature to 26°C; each degree lower increases energy use by approximately 6%.

o   Avoid frequent switching on and off to conserve power.

o   Install ACs in rooms with minimal direct sunlight, such as ground-floor rooms, and insulate the roof where possible.

o   Clean the filters regularly, as a clean AC filter can improve efficiency and reduce electricity costs by up to 30%.

·      Computers: Switch from desktop computers to laptops, which consume less power, and unplug devices once fully charged to prevent unnecessary energy drain.

·      Air Fryers and Ovens: Use air fryers over traditional ovens, as they use half the energy and require minimal oil.

·      Washing Machines: To cut power usage by up to 30%, opt for energy-efficient models, wash clothes in bulk weekly rather than frequently, and air-dry clothes instead of using the dryer.

·      UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): In regions with frequent outages, the UPS battery is essential but consumes a significant amount of power. If possible, charge the UPS with solar panels to save on electricity costs. For better battery longevity, regularly check the electrolyte levels, use distilled water, and avoid overcharging.

Choosing the Right Battery for Your UPS:

Selecting an appropriate battery for your UPS is crucial for efficient performance and longevity. Let’s go over the essentials for battery maintenance, and types, and provide some insights on choosing the best option.

Maintaining Battery Health

Battery plates can dry out and crack if the electrolyte levels drop too low, halting their function. The remaining liquid thickens as water evaporates, leaving only sulfuric acid behind. Regularly check the water level in your battery and top it up with distilled water—purified to remove minerals that might interfere with battery charging. Only fill the battery when it’s fully charged, and ensure not to exceed the indicated water level, as overflow risks causing an explosion. Even when the UPS isn’t in use, run it off battery power at least once a week to prevent degradation.

While purchasing a battery, also check the manufacturing date. Batteries typically come marked with codes such as “JI JA BJ,” which translates to a date like January 9, 2020.

Battery Consumption

UPS batteries consume about 300 watts while charging, translating to roughly one unit of electricity daily. If the power frequently goes out, this can amount to 30–60 units a month. A smart way to reduce this expense is by using solar panels to charge your battery.

Types of Batteries Available in Pakistan

1.    Standard Lead-Acid Batteries
Affordable but with shorter lifespans, these batteries typically last for around 300 recharge cycles. Each cycle is a full charge and discharge down to 50%, equating to roughly 300 days or one year of daily use.

2.    Dry Batteries
Although more expensive, dry batteries are generally unsuitable for Pakistan’s hot climate, as they may wear out sooner in high temperatures.

3.    Gel Batteries
These provide strong backup power and are maintenance-free, meaning no water top-ups are needed. They’re compact, environmentally friendly, and ideal for spaces where regular maintenance is challenging.

4.    Power Capacitor Batteries
These offer efficient power backup but can be costly.

Tubular Batteries

A modern take on traditional lead-acid batteries, tubular batteries contain tube-like structures instead of plates, significantly enhancing their charge and discharge efficiency. With a cycle life of around 1,500—five times that of standard lead-acid batteries—tubular batteries can last approximately five years. They also feature glass tubes on the caps for easy water level checks, allowing convenient maintenance without opening the caps. 

Note: Power consumption figures are based on data from K-Electric’s official website.

For efficient performance, carefully select a battery that aligns with your power needs and climate, and remember that regular maintenance will extend its life and optimise energy use.