Besides choosing more energy-efficient appliances, the type of appliances we buy and how we use them matters too.

For example, an instantaneous water heater that instantly heats water as it flows through the appliance is more energy efficient than a storage water heater.

With air-conditioners among one of the energy-intensive appliances, it also pays to use them more optimally.

• Choose the right cooling capacity for your air-conditioner. An oversized air-conditioner is not only more costly, but also operates less efficiently whereas an undersized air-conditioner may not provide adequate cooling.
• Consider using the air-conditioner for a short while to cool the room and switching to a fan thereafter.
• Set your air-conditioner at 25 degree Celsius or higher.
• Service your air-conditioning units regularly so they function more efficiently.

With sweltering temperatures, simply staying indoors to stay cool is not sufficient without taking the right measures to cool our homes effectively. These measures include using blinds or curtains over windows or solar window films to block heat from the sun. Using partitions can also help minimise the space that needs to be air-conditioned.

Additionally, consider using task lighting, which is directed at a designated area for reading or working, to reduce overall lighting usage.

Sometimes, the small actions we take can make a big difference. Consider incorporating these power-saving practices into your daily routine:

• Turn off appliances and electronic devices at the power socket when not in use. Leaving them on standby mode allows them to continue drawing power.
• Take shorter showers or skip the use of the electric water heater on hot days.
• Store hot water in a thermos flask instead of an electric air-pot.

While every household varies in its electricity usage, they generally follow similar consumption patterns. You can refer to the consumption pattern of a typical household in Singapore, also known as a load profile. This information can help you identify periods of high electricity usage and vice versa.

For more timely data at your finger-tips, those with advanced electricity meters can view their half-hourly electricity consumption via the SP app. By leveraging this information, you can take informed steps to conserve or reduce electricity usage effectively. By 2026, all households will be installed with such advanced electricity meters.

For households with advanced electricity meters, you can consider registering your interest for an upcoming Residential Demand Response pilot by EMA and SP Group if eligible. As a participating household, SP Group will send out notifications to you via the SP app to temporarily reduce your electricity consumption during peak demand periods. Participating households can then decide whether they would like to take steps such as turning off their air-conditioners or defer using their washing machines to be eligible for rewards.