Winter is here – Is your wallet ready? How to stay warm without burning through your utility budget
Winter in South Africa brings the chill — and with it, the unmistakable spike in utility bills. As we reach for our heaters, switch on underblankets, and rely more on tumble dryers and geysers, our electricity and gas consumption can quietly double or even triple compared to warmer months.
Why your winter bill might shock you.
Most households don’t realise how quickly appliances rack up costs in colder weather. Here’s a quick look at common winter culprits:
Geysers work harder to heat colder incoming water, often running longer and more frequently.
Electric heaters can use up to 12 kWh per day if left on for 6 hours. That’s around R25–R30 per day.
Tumble dryers replace sunny drying days, adding up to 9+ kWh per week.
Underblankets left on overnight draw power continuously.
It’s no surprise that many residents are caught off guard when their bills arrive. But here’s the good news: with a few mindful changes and the right tools, you can stay warm and in control.
6 Simple tips to keep costs down this winter
Install a geyser timer to reduce unnecessary heating during off-peak times.
Use heaters wisely — only in rooms you’re using, and never overnight.
Pre-warm your bed with an electric blanket, then switch it off before sleeping.
Dry laundry during the day or use an indoor drying rack near a sunny window.
Unplug ‘vampire appliances’ that draw power even when not in use.
Close doors and curtains to trap heat and reduce the need for constant heating.
Don’t Guess – Track Your Usage Daily
If your home is on a smart metering system, you have access to real-time data through our Client Zone platform. Instead of being surprised at the end of the month, you can log in anytime to:
View daily and weekly usage trends
Identify high-consumption days or appliances
Monitor how changes in your habits affect your usage
Avoid running out of prepaid credits unexpectedly
Staying informed helps you make smarter, cost-saving decisions.
In Conclusion
Winter doesn’t have to mean financial frostbite. With a few smart changes and the power of real-time monitoring, you can stay warm without the shock. Keep checking your usage in Client Zone, follow us on Facebook, and let’s make this winter a little lighter — on your home and your wallet.
Winter is here – Is your wallet ready? How to stay warm without burning through your utility budget
Winter in South Africa brings the chill — and with it, the unmistakable spike in utility bills. As we reach for our heaters, switch on underblankets, and rely more on tumble dryers and geysers, our electricity and gas consumption can quietly double or even triple compared to warmer months.
Why your winter bill might shock you.
Most households don’t realise how quickly appliances rack up costs in colder weather. Here’s a quick look at common winter culprits:
Geysers work harder to heat colder incoming water, often running longer and more frequently.
Electric heaters can use up to 12 kWh per day if left on for 6 hours. That’s around R25–R30 per day.
Tumble dryers replace sunny drying days, adding up to 9+ kWh per week.
Underblankets left on overnight draw power continuously.
It’s no surprise that many residents are caught off guard when their bills arrive. But here’s the good news: with a few mindful changes and the right tools, you can stay warm and in control.
6 Simple tips to keep costs down this winter
Install a geyser timer to reduce unnecessary heating during off-peak times.
Use heaters wisely — only in rooms you’re using, and never overnight.
Pre-warm your bed with an electric blanket, then switch it off before sleeping.
Dry laundry during the day or use an indoor drying rack near a sunny window.
Unplug ‘vampire appliances’ that draw power even when not in use.
Close doors and curtains to trap heat and reduce the need for constant heating.
Don’t Guess – Track Your Usage Daily
If your home is on a smart metering system, you have access to real-time data through our Client Zone platform. Instead of being surprised at the end of the month, you can log in anytime to:
View daily and weekly usage trends
Identify high-consumption days or appliances
Monitor how changes in your habits affect your usage
Avoid running out of prepaid credits unexpectedly
Staying informed helps you make smarter, cost-saving decisions.
In Conclusion
Winter doesn’t have to mean financial frostbite. With a few smart changes and the power of real-time monitoring, you can stay warm without the shock. Keep checking your usage in Client Zone, follow us on Facebook, and let’s make this winter a little lighter — on your home and your wallet.
