Page 36 - Energize July 2021

VIEWS AND OPINION

How to control electricity consumption and costs

by Colin Openshaw, Recharger Prepaid Meters
outh Africans are in for a steep rise in the price of electricity, with approved utility tariff
increases of over 15% set for the 2021/2022 financial year. However, there are ways for
Sconsumers, both commercial as well as individuals, to try to minimise and control costs.

Better monitoring and control through prepaid electricity sub-meters
This rise in the price of electricity, together with the fact that many
office workers are still working remotely, means that this is an
excellent time to start reducing electricity consumption - for both
the office as well as the home office. A prepaid electricity sub-meter
can assist with this, particularly important as we move into the
cooler, darker autumn and winter months.
A prepaid electricity sub-meter is a device that helps the user
control and regulate the usage of electricity. It works much like
a prepaid cellphone, whereby users pay upfront before using it,
thus assisting with the measurement, monitoring, and planning of
electricity consumption. This eliminates the headache of the landlord, Colin Openshaw
for instance, receiving – and of course being liable for – a large,
unexpected monthly bill after consumption has already taken place. Tokens are also available at most banks, and petrol
stations. Alternatively, they can be purchased
Benefits of buying electricity units at the right time online from the Recharger Pay Portal or PayCity,
It is useful for the owners and users of prepaid electricity sub-meters to understand that the best as well as from mobile vendors using Flash and
time to top up electricity is on the first of the month. This is due to the utilities provider’s Inclining Kazang.
Block Tariff system. This means that units of electricity are split into different blocks. As a leading supplier of prepaid electricity
The first block of electricity is at the lowest price. As customers purchase more electricity during sub-meters, tokens and token vending solutions,
the month, the electricity bought will eventually fall into block two, which is more expensive. At the Recharger was proud to accept a prestigious
end of the month, the history is reset, and the customer will again start the next month from block industry award recently, following on from an
one. Best practice advice, therefore, is to buy what is needed at the beginning of each month. annual national survey on prepaid electricity meter
suppliers in South Africa. We believe that our focus
Benefits for building owners and managers plus utilities providers on service delivery and customer support – proving
In parts of the world, the demand for utility sub-metering in commercial buildings is on the rise that we are a partner you can trust in a truly end-
because of the noted benefits for property managers and building owners. Electricity sub-meters to-end fashion – is what ultimately placed us ahead
allow property managers the ability to measure electricity consumption in individual spaces, of formidable competition.
departments, common areas, equipment, and other key loads, providing accurate data on when and A recent legislative change in New York City,
how the electricity is being consumed. which requires all commercial buildings larger than
Precise consumption data from revenue grade utility meters allows property managers to 50 000 square feet to contain submeters, points to
manage the energy of key loads or circuit level loads, and track and optimise energy usage with real- the important role that electricity sub-metering can
time reporting. In turn, this leads to property managers being able to bill their tenants fairly for their play in the administration and management of the
consumption. Ultimately, this leads to more efficient building management, with a better return on electricity consumption in a commercial building.
investment spend. The installation of an electricity prepaid sub-
In addition, sub-metering helps utilities providers – rather than a sometimes-held misconception meter brings real commercial advantages to the
that it takes money away from them – because it ensures that billing takes place and revenues are owners and managers of commercial buildings, as
collected, by having the electricity units paid for in advance. Also, prepaid electricity sub-metering well as the utilities provider in turn.
can help utilities by reducing wastage.
This is partly because the granular reporting data allows for consumption to be bought as About recharger prepaid meters:
required and not over-supplied, and because, when building owners charge flat utility fees, those Recharger is South Africa’s leading supplier
who are renting are less likely to conserve energy. Conversely, prepaid metering, where the of prepaid electricity sub-meters, tokens and
consumption is more transparent in real time, encourages electricity conservation. The reduction of token vending solutions. More than 200 000
unnecessary electricity consumption is obviously a key issue for South Africa at this time. Recharger meters have been installed for both
local and international commercial, industrial,
Acquisition and installation and residential clients, across any sector requiring
The arena of prepaid electrical sub-meters is well-regulated and controlled and there are certain utility management – ideal for property owners,
recommended steps to be taken in acquiring and installing a prepaid electricity sub-meter: contractors and tenants wanting to manage energy
• Easy to buy a meter: Recharger has a national presence through several outlets, including Takealot. consumption more efficiently.
• Installing and activating: A registered electrician must install the meter. Once the registration With a comprehensive range of meters,
form is completed and sent to Recharger with the necessary documents, it will be processed, including three- and single-phase, split, wired and
and an SMS sent to notify users that the meter is activated. wireless options, Recharger’s prepaid metering
• Registering the meter: The registration forms are included with each meter and one form can solutions are of international standard, as well
be used for multiple meters. The completed registration form can be sent back to Recharger via as being Standard Transfer Specification (STS)
WhatsApp, fax, or e-mail. compliant. Recharger is also proud to be the only
• Recharging: Use the unique number on each card that comes with a meter to buy prepaid organisation of its type to offer a lifetime warranty
electricity tokens from a variety of online and mobile vendors, retail stores, banks, and petrol on certain products.
stations. A credit token with a 20-digit number will be received, which may be entered on the
meter keypad. Contact Shaun Clarke, Recharger Prepaid Meters,
• Purchasing prepaid electricity tokens: Recharger prepaid electricity tokens can be purchased Tel: 087 158-4800, marketing@recharger.co.za,
countrywide from numerous retail outlets. www.recharger.co.za

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