SA’s department of energy has launched an application that will help consumers make informed purchase decisions when it comes to electrical appliances.
How does it work?
The application known as the Appliance Energy Calculator allows to enter information regarding certain electrical appliance (which is usually on the energy label on the appliance). Once entered the application then gives an estimate the running cost of the said application.
The application works with electrical appliances such as Washing Machines, Dryers, Fridges, Air Conditioners and a variety of other appliances.
Knowledge is power
Consumers who are conscious of how they are appliances affect our planet will also be clamouring to use this app to influence their next purchasing decision.
The appliance estimates how much power the appliance will use over the next ten years and also gives a figure of the expected CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) emissions over this period as well. With the effects of Global warming becoming more apparent on our seasonal patterns it’s great that the South African government is working hard to help consumers easily obtain this information.
This is a a great solution that could lead to greater savings on electricity bills. Consumers with this application will be able to realise that they can make huge savings by using a fan/heater rather than running a built-in air conditioner.
5 comments
That is a good start but nothing to be excited about. The app can be manipulated for sales purposes knowing how ready our people are to be have their palms greased.
What the gvt should do is develop a system which live stream energy usage so that consumer know exactly what they are using per hour.
That way you can turn off appliancies which are using a lot of your electricity or reduce their uses.
IoT is the answer to build such infrastructure coupled with MVNO. The gvt can kick start that by offering low fequence license cost to operators who specialise in energy sector.
this is all just hokum. really, honestly… why should anyone care about how much electricity they are using? these governments dont develop any infrastructure to cope with demand, but instead increase the cost of electricity so that people now have to count kWh’s to manage their bill. Techzim, dont even start with the argument that this will ultimately save the planet… because thats all nonsense too.
I am sure most people already have a good idea of the power munchers in their homes. Generally, if it produces heat quickly, it’s a power muncher. I think this was a waste of resources.
A stove is power hungry, but if I need to cook, I need to cook. The app doesn’t change that. They should be encouraging people to switch off devices, once they are done using them, **regardless** of their power consumption.
Fair and fine, you don’t care about the well-being of the planet and that kind of stuff but don’t let that stop other people who are willing to make informed purchases do so. It might also not be essentially about just knowing a figure but taking the figure into good use. Different devices have varying efficiencies thus some devices will increase your bill more than others while doing the same thing so it’s always good to make informed purchases.
I would use this info to compare the RSA govt with the Zim govt, especially in responding to consumer/user needs. Not rocket science but a very useful utility for some!