Nicholas Richards, Business Writer

It costs customers of Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) $18.50 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) on average to run their appliances, says the power provider.

But while some appliances are more expensive to operate, and should be used judiciously, such as air conditioning units, consumers should be just as alert to the high-use appliances such as refrigerators, the utility advises.

In fact, JPS says customers should be especially mindful of appliances that generate significant heat, as they demand more energy, which translates into higher electricity bills.

The majority of Jamaican homes that are powered by electricity tend to have refrigerators, irons, television sets and radios/component sets.

The average Jamaican household uses a 16-cubit foot refrigerator, burning approximately 60 kWh of electricity per month, which means the average customer will have to pay $1,110 for use of the fridge alone, with each monthly electricity bill.

"A monthly estimate is used for the refrigerator because most Jamaicans keep it on (plugged in) all day," says JPS customer representative, Kerry-Ann Guscott.

These rates, however, apply to those refrigerators designed with the freezer on top.

The split models, with freezers at the side, burn more electricity, says JPS.

Warm Food Warning

The power utility also advises that the fridge burns even more energy when hot or warm foods are stored in it; and when the door to the appliance is opened frequently or for protracted periods.

It is, however interesting to note that a 100-watt incandescent bulb, which is common in many Jamaican households, burns a bit more electricity than the average 16-cubit foot refrigerator.

"That is why we advise our customers to use lower watt bulbs, or the fluorescent bulbs," says Guscott.

"A 60 watt (fluorescent) bulb of this kind on the other hand burns only $38.50 per hour, so it is best if customers use them."

But it is those households that operate appliances like an a/c unit or water heater that pay the highest electricity bills of all residential customers.

A household using a standard water heater will pay some $2,497.50 per month if they use it for up to three hours per day.

"It is advisable that our customers use their water heaters for half an hour in the morning and another half hour in the evening," said Guscott.

"This will have them saving tonnes of money."

Air conditioners on the other hand costs some $1,424.5 if it is used over the same time period as the water heater.

Clothes irons, however, burn some $18.50 per hour, so customers ironing for up to two hours per week could find themselves paying an additional $180.50 per month on their electricity bills.

Television sets on the other hand will cost the consumer some $79.06 per month if watched for one hour per day; this is more or less the same as a standard size, 20-inch stereo set.

In its energy conservation messages, JPS has been advising its customer to unplug any item not in use, saying that even when idle, appliances and electronics continue to consume energy once the plug remains within the electricity outlet.

"Plus, customers should limit the amount of time they spend using these appliances," says Guscott.

business@gleanerjm.com.