Due to the high electricity prices, many Norwegians now want to reduce their electricity consumption. This can be economical, but is also a very sustainable measures.
Here we are going to share some tips on how you can easily cut down on your own electricity consumption, which can be positive for both the guestbook and the environment!
Isn't electrical energy in Norway produced in a clean and environmentally friendly way?
In Norway, electrical energy mainly comes from renewable energy sources such as wind and hydropower, and electricity consumption therefore results in low greenhouse gas emissions.
However, part of the electricity is imported from abroad via cables, which is particularly relevant in periods of low filling levels in the Norwegian water reservoirs. If, for example, there has been little rain in Norway, more of the electricity you use will come from Denmark, Sweden and Germany.
Some of the electricity can therefore come from non-renewable energy sources such as coal or nuclear power. If you manage to reduce your electricity consumption - and especially during periods when Norway imports a lot of electrical energy from abroad - this will be a sustainable measure.
This is how you can reduce your electricity consumption with simple steps
Reducing your electricity consumption may seem like an insurmountable task. Electricity is something we all need in everyday life, whether it is for cooking, heating or charging an electric car.
For most people, it is still entirely possible to cut down on electricity consumption in certain areas.
1. Shower instead of bathing
Taking a long, hot bath can be good for both body and mind, but it can also result in higher electricity consumption than you might want. Heating water accounts for around 20 % of the total electricity consumption in an average Norwegian household.
If you choose to shower instead of bathing, you will be able to reduce the amount of hot water used considerably.
You usually need at least 150 liters of water to fill a bathtub. By comparison, you typically use no more than around 50 liters of water if you shower for five minutes. If you use a saving shower head, you can further reduce the amount of water.
By showering, in other words, you will be able to count on using only 1/3 of the electricity consumption needed to fill a bathtub.
2. Turn off lights when you are not in the room
Lighting may not be the most energy-consuming part of an average household. If you leave a light source on while you are at work (for 7.5 hours), this could cost just over NOK 1.30 given that the light bulb is 35 watts, and the electricity price is NOK 5/kWh.
But it can still be beneficial to switch off the light when it is not in use - especially if you have many light sources. If you have, for example, ten rooms, the costs can quickly be NOK 10–15 if we start from the same parameters as mentioned in the example above.
Over the course of a month, this can amount to NOK 300–450. So if you tend to leave all the lights on all day, it may be worthwhile to switch them off when you are not in the room.
In addition to saving money, you can reduce your electricity consumption and do something positive for the environment. It may not be a question of very large amounts of electricity, but all money goes.
3. Reduce electricity consumption for heating
You can also reduce your electricity consumption by heating your home in a smarter way. For example, prioritize heating the rooms you and the rest of the household stay in, and not rooms that are not used.
For example, you can cut electricity consumption if you switch off the heater in a guest room that is empty. Another tip is to lower the indoor temperature by a degree or two. This can reduce power consumption considerably, without you necessarily noticing that much.
4. Fill up the dishwasher and washing machine
Another tip for those who want to reduce electricity consumption is to avoid running the washing machine or dishwasher unless they are filled. In this way, you can reduce the number of washes per month, and thus reduce electricity consumption.
It can also be beneficial for electricity consumption if you air dry clothes rather than putting them in the tumble dryer. On a day with dry weather, for example, you can hang the clothes out to dry.
Be aware that drying clothes indoors can increase heating costs, as the moisture from the clothes can cause the room to become cooler.
Good luck!
