Why a Utility Audit Could Be the Key to Lowering Your Energy Bill
Electricity costs are already very high. With Eskom’s new 12.7% tariff hike set for April 1, you certainly don’t want to be paying any more than you need to.
An analysis of your energy usage patterns and the verification of your billing accuracy will give you the knowledge you need to uncover the source of any unnecessary electricity consumption so you can sort it out and save.
Here’s what a utility audit can help you achieve:
Identifying Undetected Inefficiencies and Waste
One of the biggest reasons that you might have an unreasonably high energy bill is inefficiencies within your system that you don’t know about. This may be caused by poorly maintained equipment, outdated appliances, or hidden leaks in the system.
A utility audit will assess all the factors at play in your electrical system to pinpoint exactly where and when energy is being wasted. Through this process, you will be empowered to accurately identify inefficiencies and then take the necessary corrective measures.
Verifying Billing Accuracy To Avoid Overcharges
Unfortunately, Eskom has been known to issue inaccurate bills from time to time. Therefore, it is well worth your while to conduct regular utility audits to cross-check your actual energy consumption against your bill. This investigation will help identify that you’re not overpaying due to incorrect meter readings or misclassification of tariffs.
Whether you’re a business or a homeowner, it is possible to recover a significant amount of money simply by disputing inaccurate charges uncovered during an audit. However, without a proper energy audit, this issue might be very difficult to argue.
Optimising Energy Use During Peak and Off-Peak Hours
Eskom’s electricity tariffs are adjusted depending on the time of day, with peak-hour usage being significantly more expensive than off-peak usage. With a utility audit, you can analyse your consumption patterns to determine whether energy-intensive activities, such as running dishwashers or industrial machinery, can be shifted to off-peak hours when the rates are lower.
Being meticulous about this simple adjustment can lead to major cost reductions without affecting your day-to-day operations.
Detecting Phantom Loads and Unnecessary Consumption
In many homes and businesses, certain devices continue consuming electricity even when they are turned off. This is known as a phantom load or vampire energy, and it can add up significantly over time.
A utility audit can help you identify where idle electronics and other systems are contributing to excessive energy use. You might be able to implement solutions, such as smart plugs or advanced power strips, to minimise unnecessary consumption.
Do you want to understand your energy use better and have more control over your budget? Speak to the experts at Energy Management Solutions now!
FAQs and Answers
1. What is a utility audit?
A utility audit is a comprehensive review of your energy usage and billing to detect inefficiencies, errors, and opportunities for savings.
2. How can a utility audit reduce my electricity bill?
It helps identify wasted energy, billing errors, and peak usage patterns, allowing you to optimise energy use and cut unnecessary costs.
3. Can a utility audit detect billing mistakes from Eskom?
Yes, utility audits often uncover discrepancies such as incorrect meter readings or tariff misclassifications in Eskom bills.
4. Who should consider getting a utility audit?
Both businesses and homeowners experiencing unusually high energy bills or wanting to optimise their electricity usage should consider it.
5. What are phantom loads and how are they detected?
Phantom loads are devices that draw power even when off. A utility audit identifies them and suggests ways to eliminate this waste.
6. How does time-of-use affect electricity costs?
Using electricity during peak hours is more expensive. A utility audit can help you shift usage to off-peak hours for cost savings.
7. How often should I do a utility audit?
It’s recommended to perform a utility audit annually, or whenever you notice unexpected spikes in your electricity bills.
8. What kind of savings can I expect from a utility audit?
Savings vary, but many clients recover overcharges and reduce ongoing costs significantly—often with a strong return on investment.