How to Save Big on Your Electric Bill: Protected and non-protected category

How to Save Big on Your Electric Bill: Protected and non-protected categories

Learn how you can save on your electric bill costs with smart strategies and tips. Understand the major difference between protected and non-protected categories in Pakistan and what happens when you are not in a protected category.

Why It’s Important to Save on Electric Bill and How You Can Achieve It?

This year, the cost of electricity in Pakistan is becoming increasingly difficult for the average consumer. With inflation, economic instability, and rising utility rates, many Pakistanis are struggling to pay their electricity bills. However, it’s still possible to save on electric bill costs by implementing smart, energy-efficient strategies and remaining in the protected category.

This article will guide you on how to save on electric bills by controlling your energy consumption, especially for those in the protected category, and offer practical advice on how to keep your electric units under the 200-unit threshold to maintain eligibility for the lower rates.

1. Understanding the Difference Between Protected and Non-Protected Categories to Save on Electric Bill

In Pakistan, electricity consumers are divided into two categories: protected and non-protected. The primary difference between these two categories is the cost per unit of electricity. The protected category offers subsidized electricity rates, while the non-protected category pays a higher rate. To understand how much you can save electric bill, it’s important to know the difference.

Protected vs Non-Protected Bill analysis:

This tabular data shows that consumers in the protected category enjoy a much lower rate per unit compared to those in the non-protected category.

Check your bill history, online bill, or protected category status from the PITC website

Also, download the latest app “Apna Meter Apni Reading” {App name is POWER SMART on the Play store} to check your units regularly every day. Moreover, you can also submit a picture of your meter for the billing month if your meter reader delays your reading; a delayed reading can also affect your protected status.

How Much Does It Cost to Be in the Non-Protected Category?

If your consumption exceeds 200 units per month, you are moved to the non-protected category, which significantly increases your electricity bill. For example, if you consume 400 units, your bill could skyrocket to nearly 21,000 PKR compared to just 2,200 PKR in the protected category for 199 units.

How to get into the Protected Category

Simply “Maintain your electric bill units below 200 for 6 months”

Just like a streak, you have to make 6-month streaks of units below 200, then you are in this Protected Category, hurray…….

But STOP here, this is the hack of the electric company to get you back in the unprotected category and drain your money. When you are in protected category your bill won’t exceed 2200Pkr, but if in any month your units exceed 200 you will be back in unprotected category for at least 7 months, no matters if in very next month your units are again below 200 you have to pay high bill due to unprotected category about 8800 PKR for 200 units and even 4000PKR for only 100 units, and again you have to make a fresh streak of units below 200 for 6 months.

The objective is to keep your usage under 200 units per month. If you want to remain in the protected category and save on your electric bill, it is important to control your electricity consumption.

1. How to Control Your Electric Units and Save Your Electric Bill: Keeping It Below 200 Units

To guarantee that you remain in the protected category and save electric bill, it is necessary to control your electricity consumption. The goal is to keep your usage below 200 units per month.

Below are some important strategies to help you achieve the objective:

Adjust Your Use of High-Energy Appliances by following the tactic mentioned below

• Inverter Fans: These efficient technology fans consume only 30 Watts, and the regular one in your home consumes 75 to 80 Watts. So if you are using 3 fans 24/7, they will consume 5.7 units per day, and if you replace these 3 regular fans with 3 inverter fans, they will consume only 2.1 units per day. You can save 3.6 units per day and a wholesome of 100 units per month. The best way to remain in the PROTECTED CATEGORY, and if you want to buy the best inverter fans, I recommend buying from TAMOOR FANS
• Air Conditioners: Air conditioners are one of the largest contributors to your electric bill. Use energy-efficient ACs with T3, T3+ technology having ECO mode with L3 setting to lock the current at a low ampere value, keeping the room cool, and set your thermostat to 26°C for optimal cooling. But it’s better to use AC if you have a separate Meter for that.
• Heaters: In lower temperatures from November to February, using electric heaters can cause a major spike in energy consumption. Instead, use blankets and wear a dress in multiple layers.
• Water Heaters: Don’t use these heaters. Minimize the use of electric geysers by taking shorter showers or by trying to use solar water heaters.

Switch to Energy-Efficient Bulbs and Appliances

Everyone is well aware that by replacing older yellow outdated luminescent bulbs(100Watts) with white LED lights of 8Watts to 17 watts, you can save up to 90% on lighting costs. Similarly, replacing energy-efficient appliances like AC inverter fans and refrigerators, and washing machines can hugely reduce your overall energy consumption and minimize your electric bill.

Try using Energy-Efficient Air Conditioning T3/T3+ and L3 Ampere lock methodology

In Pakistan, from April to August, these months can increase your electricity usage due to the 24/7 usage of Fans or air conditioners. To save on electric bill costs during these months:

• Closed Windows: Seal your doors and windows to keep the heat from entering your room while using the air conditioner.
• Use Fans Proficiently: Wall fans, try used in combination with an AC set at a higher temperature, 26 degrees, can reduce electric cost, which is mainly the consumption of air-conditioned.
• Cooler Home at Night: Switch off the AC if you feel the cooler night hours and make use of natural ventilation.

1. Manage Your Air Conditioning to Save Electric Bill

Air conditioners are a major contributor to high electricity bills in Pakistan, especially during the summer. Here are some specific steps to help you save electric bill by managing your AC usage more efficiently:

By making these small changes to your AC usage, you can save electric bill costs and ensure that you remain under the 200-unit threshold to retain your protected category status. But it’s only possible if you have a separate meter for AC and another meter for all other home appliances.

1. Use Alternative Power Sources to Save on Electric Bill

If you’re concerned about holding back on your electric bill, you may try unconventional sources of power production devices. Solar energy is the best option for those who want to go beyond just using government-provided electricity.

Why Go Solar?

Solar power can help reduce your dependence on the electric grid, and eventually it can help you save electric bill a lot. Indeed, some may call using solar the best alternative to minimize the bill by up to 90 percent. Although the initial cost of installing solar panels can be a little high but in the long run, your savings are noteworthy. Many families in Pakistan and Asian countries have been able to reduce their electric bills by more than 80% by using solar panels.

• Water Heating (Solar): Uninstall the electric heaters, which drain your electricity a lot try the new Solar-supported geysers.
• Low-Budget Solar Systems: If you are not able to fully convert your load to solar panels due to a limited budget, small systems of up to 2KWh can help power the lights and ceiling fans during the daytime. It will hugely reduce the burden on your electric bill.

1. Switching off the Appliances When Not in Use: A Disciplined Habit to Save the Electric Bill

A conventional but often unnoticed way to save electric bill is by making sure that appliances are switched off when not in use. Some electronic devices and appliances consume electric energy even when turned off but not unplugged, this is known as “phantom load.”

Basic Steps to Reduce Phantom Load

• Unplug Devices: If you are not charging your cell phone or laptop, make sure to unplug device chargers, televisions, and microwaves when no one is using them.
• Power Strips: plug in multiple devices into a single power strip, and turn off the power strip when devices are not in use.
• Switch to Smart Power Strips: Smart strips can automatically cut off power to electronic devices when they go into standby or sleep mode.

These techniques and simple habits can save your electric bill by reducing needless energy consumption.

1. Your Daily Habits to Save Electric Bill

We usually ignore small things, but honestly, these Small changes in your daily habits can add up to big savings, and you will be at ease. Here are some natural tips that can help minimize your electricity consumption:

Adjust Lighting Habits

• Usage of Natural Light: At daytime just open the curtains and blinds to take advantage of natural sunlight. Natural light is not only beneficial for health it can also help you reduce the need for electric lighting.
• Usage of Motion-Sensor Lights: This modern technology can help save you a lot. Install motion-sensor lights in rooms or areas that aren’t often used, such as the stairs, garage, or basement.

Be Watchful of Your Appliances’ Energy Usage

• Washing Machines: Evade washing small loads. Instead, wait for full loads to save on the electric bill.
• Microwaves: Microwaves consume a huge amount of power; try using them only when there is no gas stove available.
• Fridges and Deep Freezers: Set your refrigerator temperature to 5-6°C and the freezer to -16°C to keep your energy use low while maintaining the food cool and safe.

1. Track Your Energy Consumption to Save Electric Bill

Eventually, nobody likes it, but it’s one of the most active ways to ensure that you’re on track to save electric bill is by regularly monitoring your Electricity Meter installed outside your home. Many electric companies in Pakistan offer online web portals or mobile apps where you just have to put your reference number to track your electricity usage in real-time.

HERE IS THE LINK TO CHECK YOUR BILL ONLINE

Just enter the reference number mentioned on your bill [PITC]

By regularly checking on your energy consumption, you can make sure to prevent going over your 200-unit limit to always stay in the protected category.

Conclusion: Save Electric Bill Using Smart Strategies and Techniques

In the current year, not only Pakistanis but also all Asians are upset and worried due to rising electricity costs. However, with the right strategies and the help of modern technologies, it is still possible to save big on electricity bills and remain in a protected category. By implementing simple energy-saving tactics, such as switching to smart, energy-efficient appliances and considering the installation of solar alternatives, consumers can reduce their bills while maintaining a comfortable lifestyle.

Ultimately, your primary goal is to keep your electric usage below 200 units to remain in the protected category, thereby taking advantage of the lower rates and saving a significant amount of money. With the right changes and strategies, anyone can start cutting their electricity bill from today.