Lower your T&TEC bills
"T&TEC raise dey rates!", "My bill gone up!"
These and countless other similar statements are being uttered by Trinbagonains across the country.
T&TEC's general manager Ernest Boxill can be quoted as saying "I must however point out that the because of the increased rates, now structured in three tiers, residential customers can expect increases in their bills ranging from approximately 12 per cent, for customers whose bi-monthly consumption is less than 400 units, to 52 per cent at a higher end, depending on how much more than a 1,000 units are consumed."
Friends and neighbours of mine are all complaining that their last bill jumped up. They are all shocked when I show them my bill and it went down. I however was not surprised by this because for the last few months I've done what I can to save energy. It turns out that before the installation of T&TEC's new meter reading system, my estimated bills were always way too high.
Here are some tips:
- Use compact fluorescent light bulbs.
- Turn off lights and fans when not in use
- Turn off your computer, monitor, speakers, printer and other accessories when not in use.
- Plug home electronics, such as TVs, DVD players, computers and cell phone chargers, into power strips; turn the power strips off when the equipment is not in use (most appliances in standby mode still use several watts of power).
- Lower the thermostat on your hot water heater to 120° F / 49° C. Important safety notice!
- Take short showers instead of baths.
- Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes.
- Wash in cold water
- Line dry your clothes instead of using the dryer
- Look for the ENERGY STAR® label on home appliances and products. ENERGY STAR® products meet strict efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Even T&TEC has energy savings tips on their website (although they say 'Please click on the following to get great tips on how to conserve energy and control your costs ..." and when you click on the images it goes to a dead link http://www.ttec.co.tt/useful_tips/conserve_electricity/default.htm)
Don't believe that these tips will lower your electricity bill? Take a look at my meter and those of my neighbours. All these meters were changed at the same time so they all started at zero. My meter is the one to the far left.
Estimated readings before the meter were 890, 773. First actual reading was 537, then 394, 441. My bill went from approximately $200-$250 per 2 months to less than $150 per 2 months, lowest ever being $120.
So yes, T&TEC has raised their rates, yes your bill has increased, but instead of complaining about it take matters into your own hands. Try conserving your energy and cut those costs from the source... YOU!
Save money and the planet at the same time!
