Eskom’s approved 2026/27 electricity tariffs increased by an average of 8.76% for direct customers from April, while municipal bulk electricity tariffs increased by an average of 9.01% from July.

Trevor Brewer, director at consumer technology specialist Solenco, said the actual increase paid by households varies depending on the municipality and improving energy efficiency starts with understanding how electricity is used in the home.

“Energy efficiency starts with understanding the home as a system. Solar and batteries deliver better value when households know where electricity is going and reduce avoidable demand.”

1. Find the electricity being used in the background
Review consumption at different times of day and switch off non-essential devices in groups to see what changes. Smart plugs or plug-in meters can help identify appliances drawing electricity continuously. Understanding the home’s base load should come before spending money on more capacity.

2. Match the appliance to the actual problem
A room that feels uncomfortable may have poor airflow, excess humidity, dry air, draughts, or the wrong appliance for its size. An oversized unit can waste electricity, while an undersized one may run for longer without delivering the expected result. Correct sizing supports efficiency and appliance lifespan.

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3. Use solar when it is available
Homes with solar should move flexible loads such as laundry, dishwashing, pool pumps, and charging into periods of strong daytime generation where practical. This allows the household to use more of its own solar power and preserve stored battery energy for evening essentials.

4. Keep appliances working efficiently
Dirty filters, blocked vents, worn seals, and restricted airflow can place unnecessary strain on appliances. Regular cleaning and servicing can support performance and extend useful life. Surge protection should also be considered for valuable appliances, security systems, gate motors, and geysers.

5. Compare lifetime cost before buying
A lower shelf price can become expensive when an appliance uses more power, lacks useful controls, or offers weak warranty support. Check wattage, Eco modes, timers, inverter compatibility, and the South African Energy Efficiency Label where applicable. The label provides comparable information about relative efficiency before purchase.

“Adding solar without reducing avoidable demand can lead households to pay for a larger system than they need,” Brewer said. “The strongest return comes from combining generation with efficient appliances, sensible scheduling, and regular maintenance,” Brewer concludes.

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