Reduce Your Electricity Bill In Bahrain: Tips To Save Money

Bahrain's increasing urbanization and development are driving a rise in energy demand. The Kingdom has set a target of reducing electricity consumption by 20% by 2030, with a focus on improving energy efficiency. To achieve this, the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA) has implemented several initiatives, including mandatory thermal insulation in buildings and the promotion of renewable energy sources. With 75% of Bahrain's electricity consumed by air conditioning and lighting, the EWA is encouraging suppliers and manufacturers to register their products and offering support to improve energy efficiency. Additionally, the Kingdom has launched the Kafa'a program to reduce electricity consumption in the private and public sectors, aiming to decrease electricity consumption by 975 GWh and lower carbon emissions by 488,000 tons by 2040. These efforts demonstrate Bahrain's commitment to sustainable energy management and reducing electricity costs for its citizens.

Insulate your home to reduce heating/cooling energy use

Insulating your home is a great way to reduce heating and cooling energy use, which accounts for 50% to 70% of the energy used in a typical home. Insulation provides resistance to heat flow, helping to keep warm air inside during winter and prevent hot air from entering in summer.

There are many types of insulation materials, each with its own advantages. Cellulose insulation, made from recycled paper products, is an eco-friendly, pest- and mould-resistant option. It is typically blown into attics or wall cavities and treated with fire retardants. Fiberglass insulation is another popular option due to its affordability and fire resistance. It comes in pre-cut panels that fit easily between wall studs, attic rafters, and floor joists. Natural fibre insulation, such as wool, cotton, or hemp, is a good choice for environmentally conscious homeowners as it provides good thermal resistance and is often treated with natural fire retardants. Rigid foam insulation, made from materials like polystyrene or polyurethane, offers high R-values (a measure of insulation performance) in a thin package, making it ideal for exterior walls and slabs. Spray foam insulation, available in open-cell and closed-cell varieties, expands to fill gaps and cracks. While open-cell spray foam is more affordable, closed-cell spray foam has a higher R-value and helps block moisture.

When insulating your home, it is important to focus on key areas such as attics, basements, crawl spaces, ductwork, and pipes. Attics, in particular, are a prime spot for energy loss due to rising heat. Basement insulation helps prevent heat loss through your foundation and can also combat moisture issues and water damage. Insulating ductwork and pipes can improve the efficiency of your HVAC and water heating systems.

By properly insulating your home and focusing on these key areas, you can significantly reduce your heating and cooling energy use, lower your electricity bills, and improve the comfort of your home.

Install fluorescent, LED, or skylights to reduce energy use

Install Fluorescent Lighting to Reduce Energy Use

Fluorescent lights are a highly energy-efficient choice for your home or business. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lights do not rely on a filament to produce light. Instead, they use a process called fluorescence, which generates less heat and more light. This makes them far more efficient, as they direct the majority of their energy towards producing visible light, rather than wasting it as heat. For example, a 60-watt incandescent bulb can be replaced by a 13-watt fluorescent lamp, achieving the same brightness with far less energy consumption—a 78% reduction.

Fluorescent lights also have a much longer lifespan, lasting up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. This means fewer replacements and reduced costs over time.

To further optimize fluorescent light efficiency, consider the following:

• Choose the right type of fluorescent light for your needs, such as T5 or T8, which are known for their energy efficiency.
• Install dimmer switches and occupancy sensors to adjust light levels based on the amount of natural light available.
• Regularly clean and maintain your fluorescent lights to keep them working at their best.

Install LED Lighting to Reduce Energy Use

LED (light-emitting diode) lighting is the most energy-efficient and rapidly developing lighting technology available today. LED lights last longer, are more durable, and offer better light quality than other types of lighting. Residential LEDs, especially ENERGY STAR-rated products, use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting.

LEDs are unique in that they emit light in a specific direction, reducing the need for reflectors and diffusers that can trap light. This makes them ideal for recessed downlights and task lighting. Additionally, LEDs emit very little heat, further reducing energy consumption.

LED lighting is available in a wide range of products, including industrial and commercial lighting, under-cabinet lighting, and replacement bulbs. With their improved performance and decreasing prices, LEDs are an affordable and effective way to reduce your energy usage.

Install Skylights to Reduce Energy Use

Skylights can be a great way to introduce natural daylighting and ventilation into your home. However, they can also impact the temperature of your home, with potential unwanted heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the winter. To make skylights more energy-efficient, manufacturers use various glazing technologies, such as heat-absorbing tints, insulated glazing, low-emissivity coatings, or translucent insulation.

When selecting a skylight, it's important to consider the energy performance ratings and choose one that suits your local climate and home design. The size and position of the skylight will also affect its energy efficiency. Skylights on east-facing roofs will provide maximum light and heat in the morning, while south-facing skylights offer the greatest potential for desirable winter heat gain.

To prevent unwanted heat gain, you can install the skylight in the shade of deciduous trees or add a movable window covering. Additionally, consider the glazing material, as plastic glazing is inexpensive but may scratch easily and discolor over time, while glass glazing is more durable but more expensive.

By installing energy-efficient fluorescent, LED, or skylights, you can significantly reduce your energy usage and lower your electricity bills.

Turn off lights to conserve energy

Turning off lights when you don't need them is a simple yet effective way to conserve energy and reduce your electricity bill. Here are some detailed tips and guidelines to help you implement this energy-saving habit:

Choose the Right Light Bulbs

Not all light bulbs are created equal when it comes to energy efficiency. Incandescent light bulbs are the least energy-efficient type. They give off 90% of their energy as heat, with only about 10% resulting in light. Therefore, it is essential to switch off incandescent bulbs when they are not in use. Halogen lights, which use similar technology, should also be turned off when not needed as they are less efficient than CFL or LED bulbs.

Calculate Your Savings

The amount of energy and money you save by turning off your lights depends on the type of bulb and the cost of electricity. To calculate your savings, first determine the watt rating of the bulb. For example, if you have a 60-watt bulb, turning it off for an hour will save you 0.06 kilowatt-hours. Next, find out your electricity rate from your bill. Multiply the rate per kilowatt-hour by the amount of kilowatt-hours saved to calculate your savings. For instance, if your rate is 20 cents per kilowatt-hour, you save 1.2 cents for every hour that 60-watt bulb is turned off.

Use Lighting Controls

To make it easier to turn off lights when they're not in use, consider investing in lighting controls such as dimmers, motion detectors, or timers. Dimmers help save energy by reducing the wattage and output of light bulbs. Motion sensors automatically turn lights on when motion is detected and off when motion stops. Timers can be programmed to turn lights on and off at specific times. These controls help ensure that energy is not wasted and remove the need to manually check each light.

Develop Good Habits

It may take some time to get used to turning off lights when you leave a room, but the savings in energy and money make it well worth the effort. Encourage everyone in your household or workplace to adopt this habit. Remember, even if the savings from a single light bulb seem small, they can add up to significant amounts when many people adopt this energy-conscious behaviour.

Use energy-efficient appliances, e.g. compact fluorescent lamps

Use Energy-Efficient Appliances to Reduce Your Electricity Bill in Bahrain

Appliances account for a significant portion of your monthly energy bill. In fact, according to the US Department of Energy, appliances make up about 30% of your total energy costs each month. Therefore, switching to energy-efficient appliances is a great way to reduce your electricity bill.

Energy-efficient appliances are designed to provide the same or better service while using less energy. For example, an energy-efficient refrigerator can consume 40% less energy, resulting in significant savings each year. Similarly, high-efficiency washers can reduce water consumption by up to 50% and electricity by 40%, which can lead to annual savings of around $110.

When purchasing new appliances, look for the Energy Star label. The Energy Star Certification program, administered by the Environmental Protection Agency, ensures that products meet strict energy efficiency standards without compromising on performance. While these appliances may cost up to 40% more upfront, they can save you money in the long run by reducing your daily energy consumption.

To make the most of your energy-efficient appliances, follow these tips:

• Rearrange your kitchen to keep the refrigerator away from heat sources like vents, stoves, or other major appliances.
• Vacuum the coils of your refrigerator monthly to remove dirt and buildup, which can impact energy consumption.
• Use the energy-saving option on your dishwasher to immediately reduce energy use.
• When cooking on the stove, use pots that fit properly on the burners and utilize lids to cook food faster and at lower temperatures.
• Match the temperature and water level in your clothes washer to the size of the load.

By choosing energy-efficient appliances and following these simple tips, you can significantly reduce your electricity bill and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Adopt renewable energy sources

Bahrain has been taking significant steps to adopt renewable energy sources and reduce its reliance on traditional energy generation methods. The country's Vision 2030 outlines a commitment to protecting the natural environment, reducing carbon emissions, minimizing pollution, and promoting sustainable energy practices. In line with this, Bahrain has set ambitious targets for renewable energy adoption.

The National Renewable Energy Action Plan (NREAP), endorsed by Bahrain's Cabinet and monitored by the Sustainable Energy Authority (SEA), sets a target of 5% renewable energy in the energy mix by 2025, increasing to 10% by 2035. To achieve these goals, Bahrain is focusing on solar, wind, and waste-to-energy technologies. SEA is planning a 100-megawatt solar farm project on the Askar landfill and a 50-megawatt initiative to install solar panels on government-owned buildings. Given the land scarcity for larger solar farms, there are also plans to deploy "floating solar" technologies in Bahrain's territorial waters.

Offshore renewable energy development presents another opportunity for Bahrain. The country's favourable wind conditions and shallow waters make it ideal for near-shore or offshore wind farms. Additionally, Bahrain could explore connecting with its GCC neighbours through an integrated network of infrastructure with renewable energy capabilities, such as causeways and railway systems.

The country is also exploring waste heat recovery, with a pilot program aiming to capture excess heat generated by Aluminum Bahrain (Alba) and convert it into electricity. Bahrain generates approximately 2.6kg of waste per person per day, and the Ministry of Works is overseeing a project to better manage this solid waste and explore options for recycling, agricultural conversion, or electricity production through incineration.

By adopting renewable energy sources and implementing innovative initiatives, Bahrain is taking a strategic approach to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for its citizens and residents. These efforts not only reduce electricity bills but also contribute to the country's environmental and sustainability goals.

Frequently asked questions