Don't let the heat burn a hole in your pocket when it comes to your electric bill this summer

Temperatures in Metro Manila are expected to rise in April and May amid the dry season, which could cause heat stress and dehydration if no precautions are taken.

To beat the heat, more people are using air conditioning units and electric fans for longer periods, prompting a surge in household electric bills, Meralco vice president Joe Zaldarriaga told Super Radyo dzBB.

“Yung tinatawag na surge ay depende sa gamit ng consumer. Kasi summer ngayon, mapapansin natin na mainit ang panahon kaya patuloy ang pagtaas ng consumption,” Zaldarriaga said Sunday.

(The so-called surge depends on the consumer's usage. Because it's summer now, we can see that the weather is hot, so consumption continues to increase.)

“Nasa 20% to 33% ang itinataas sa konsumo ng kuryente kapag panahon ng tag-init,” he added.

(Electricity consumption increases by 20% to 33% during the summer season.)

Here are some ways to save electricity amid the hot weather, according to Zaldarriaga:

• Ensure household appliances are in good condition
• Ensure air-conditioning units are clean
• Check the refrigerator gasket to make sure it isn’t leaking
• Don’t leave the refrigerator door open
• Reduce the use of some appliances, including the clothes iron

“Those small things, pag pinagsama-sama mo, kahit papaano makakatulong sa cost o bayad mo every month,” Zaldarriaga said.

(Those small things, when you put them all together, can still help with your costs or monthly payments.)
—RF, GMA News