Real Estate Investor Magazine South Africa July/August 2019 | Page 10

PROPERTY ADVICE Jo’burg investments & utilities Is it possible to manage your electricity bill during the colder months? MICHAEL FRANZE, MD for Citiq Prepaid Question: My electricity bill has been unreasonably high over the past two months, is there any advice you can provide on how can one effectively reduce their electricity bill this winter? Expert answer: The first thing to do is choose appliances with a lower power rating. For example, switch to LED energy saver bulbs. The second way to save is to use each appliance for fewer hours. Fridges, freezers and alarm systems are the only things in most houses that need to be on all the time. With everything else, the less you use the more you’ll save. Switching things like TVs and DVD players off at the wall when you’re not using them is one of the easiest ways to save. Next, look at the things which use most power: stoves, ovens, geysers, kettles, irons and heaters and conserve use. Closing the curtains to keep the heat in, and putting on a jersey instead of turning on the heater, could potentially save hundreds of rands a year. In the same way, says Franze, consumers should find ways to use ovens and stoves more efficiently. A wonder box for cooking grains, rice, potatoes, beans and other dishes that need slow cooking saves on electricity. ASK THE EXPERTS 8 If you have a property question, send it to us at [email protected] or post it on our facebook page. JULY/AUGUST 2019 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine