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See How Turning Off Idle Devices Can Relieve Your Electricity Bill During the Increase Driven by the Red Flag in August
The electricity bill for Brazilians has become more expensive this month of August. The National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) activated the red flag level 2, the most expensive among the tariff levels.
As a result, consumers will pay an extra R$ 7.87 for every 100 kWh consumed.
According to Aneel, this decision was made due to below-average rainfall in several regions of the country. The lack of water affects hydroelectric generation.
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Consequently, the electric system needs to rely on thermal power plants, which have higher operating costs.
Therefore, energy expenses increase precisely at a critical moment. Summer has recorded record temperatures, further increasing consumption in homes and businesses.
Turning Off Devices Helps Save and Reduce the Electricity Bill
The most important thing right now is to find ways to reduce consumption.
Many people think that just turning off the lights solves the problem. But there are other simple actions that can make a bigger difference.
One such action is to disconnect idle devices.
Even when not in use, these items continue to consume energy. This invisible consumption occurs every day, and when added up at the end of the month, significantly impacts the bill.
TVs and Electronics Left Plugged In
TVs in rarely used bedrooms often remain plugged in for days.
The same goes for gaming consoles like PlayStation or Xbox, which continue to consume energy in standby mode even when turned off.
A single console can use up to 10 W while idle.
This represents unnecessary monthly expenses. Therefore, it’s worth unplugging these devices when they’re not in use.
The same applies to sound bars and speakers in areas that are not used every day.
Coffeemakers and Mini-Fridges Use More Than They Seem
Some kitchen appliances also deserve attention. Automatic coffeemakers, for example, consume energy even when they are just in standby mode.
The minibar also makes this list. In many cases, they remain empty for weeks, wasting energy.
If they are used only at certain times, like in the summer, it is best to turn them off when they are empty.
Smart Devices Also Consume Energy
Many people believe that smart devices save energy. To some extent, they do. But they can also be sources of hidden consumption.
Smart bulbs, plugs, and other devices remain connected all the time and continue to consume energy.
This may seem small, but if there are several spread throughout the house, the consumption adds up.
Turning off the switches or unplugging those that are not in use can make a difference.
Some smart plugs, on the other hand, help save energy.
It is possible to program a device to operate only for one hour a day, for example. This way, usage is more efficient, and there is no waste.
Old Devices Left in the House
Many people keep old devices plugged in that they no longer use. DVD players, radios, set-top boxes, phone bases, and even electric kettles remain connected out of habit, even without necessity.
These items continue to draw power from the outlets, even when not in use. The ideal is to take an inventory around the house and unplug everything that is idle.
Even if the impact of each item is small, the final result can relieve the bill.
Small Actions, Big Impact
The current scenario demands attention. Energy has become more expensive, and consumption has increased with the heat. Therefore, any savings become important.
Turning off a single device doesn’t change much. But when this becomes a routine with various appliances, relief comes. For this reason, it’s worth reconsidering energy use at home.
Establishing the habit of disconnecting what is not in use helps to cope with this more expensive period. And the sooner this becomes practice, the sooner consumers will feel the difference in their bills.
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