Saving on Electricity with Dual-Rate Meters
Serhiy Kovalenko, CEO of YASNO, has stated that installing a dual-rate meter allows consumers to pay half as much for electricity used at night compared to daytime usage. He emphasized that switching to a night-time tariff is the only effective, legal way to reduce your electricity bill without cutting consumption. To illustrate the potential savings, Kovalenko cited his own household, where the family budget saves approximately 33%.
The Benefits of Dual-Rate Meters
To switch to a night-time tariff, a standard meter must be replaced with a dual-rate model. This specialized device separately records electricity consumption during different periods of the day. The night-time price for electricity is 50% lower than the daytime rate, making it advantageous for consumers. For context, the standard fixed tariff is over 4 hryvnias per kilowatt-hour.
Kovalenko noted: 'I advise people to install dual-rate meters for themselves. This is a meter that distinguishes between day and night. The daytime tariff is multiplied by one figure (a little over 4), and the night tariff is multiplied by a little over 2.'
He also clarified that while the overnight savings do not reach a full 50%, significant savings are still possible due to the lower night-time price. It is known that people generally consume less electricity at night than during the day, which further contributes to lower overall costs.
Installing a dual-rate meter is a crucial step for consumers aiming to reduce their electricity expenses, especially amid rising utility prices. The 33% savings calculated by Kovalenko could provide substantial relief for many households. As night-time tariffs offer significant discounts, this could also encourage people to shift some of their consumption habits, which may, in turn, impact the country's overall electricity demand.