SFELAPCO shares fire safety, power-saving tips

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO— As the country embraces the hot dry season, the San Fernando Electric Light and Power Company (SFELAPCO) said it is taking proactive steps to help its clients manage their power consumption and ensure fire safety.

With the potential increase in power rates looming, SFELAPCO spokesperson Catherine Diaz shared tips on how to cut down on electricity usage and prevent fires caused by electrical appliances.

One of the main factors contributing to the possible rise in power rates during the summer is the increased demand for electricity as the temperature rises in the Philippines, the power firm said.

SFELAPCO, which sources its power from the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM), is susceptible to sudden fluctuations in power rates driven by spikes in demand.

Diaz emphasized that SFELAPCO, like other distribution firms, has no control over the final rates on electric bills as it simply passes on prevailing market-driven generation charge in the WESM.

In order for consumers to manage their electricity consumption effectively, especially during the summer months, there are simple and practical steps that can be implemented at home or in the office, SFELAPCO said.

When it comes to using air conditioning units, factors such as the size of the room, the number of occupants, and the presence of other heat-emitting appliances should be taken into account, it added.

By considering these factors, individuals can optimize the efficiency of their air conditioning units and reduce energy consumption, the power distribution firm sai d.

SFELAPCO added that It is also advisable to avoid installing air conditioning units in areas exposed to direct sunlight, as this can impact the unit’s efficiency in cooling the room.

Regular maintenance of air conditioning units, such as cleaning the filters regularly, is crucial to ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency, the power company said.

Using an electric fan to circulate air in the room can also help cool the space faster, reducing the workload on the air conditioning unit.

SFELAPCO said that taking advantage of natural light during the day can also help reduce the need for artificial lighting, saving on electricity costs.

Another tip shared by the electric company is to store more water in containers inside the refrigerator, as this can help maintain the cold temperature in case of a power outage and reduce the unit's workload.

Unplugging appliances when not in use is a simple yet effective way to save on power consumption, as appliances on standby mode still draw energy.

By being mindful of their energy usage and implementing these power-saving tips, consumers can reduce their electricity bills and contribute to energy conservation, according to SFELAPCO.

In addition to power-saving measures, the power firm also highlighted the importance of fire safety when using electrical appliances, especially during the hot summer months.

The power firm said they with the potential for appliances to overheat due to extended use, regular maintenance and monitoring of appliances are essential to prevent fires caused by electrical faults.

To prevent fires in the home, refrain from using "octopus connections," where several electrical appliances are plugged into one outlet, leading to power overload and potential electrical faults, it added.

As of the current rate, SFELAPCO is charging P9.22 per kilowatt-hour (/kWh), with P4.098/kWh going towards the generation charge.

Last month, transmission charges, saw a rise due to an increase in ancillary services.

Diaz stressed the importance of practicing energy conservation now, given the possibility of rising power rates in the coming months as summer intensifies.