Overcoming the Electricity Bill Crisis! Energy Saving Tips

10 Energy-Saving Measures Useful During Electricity Price Surges: Learning from Brazil's "Red Flag" System

Introduction: What is Brazil's "Bandeira" System?

In Brazil, a "bandeira (flag)" system is implemented where additional charges are applied to electricity bills based on the cost of power supply. This system has three levels: "green," "yellow," and "red," with the highest "red flag (bandeira vermelha)" being applied in June 2025. As a result, consumers need to pay an additional charge of approximately 4.46 reais (about 130 yen) per 100 kilowatt-hours (kWh). This is due to a decrease in rainfall affecting hydropower generation and an increase in the use of costly thermal power.

Although such a system is not implemented in Japan, electricity prices can surge during high-demand seasons like summer and winter. Therefore, Brazil's energy-saving measures could be useful for Japanese households as well.

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1. Set the Electric Shower Temperature to "Summer Mode"

In Brazil, "electric showers" that heat water using electricity are common. These devices consume a large amount of power, but simply changing the temperature setting from "winter mode" to "summer mode" can save up to 30% of electricity. Additionally, using a timer to shorten shower time can also be effective.

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2. Eliminate Standby Power

Electronic devices like TVs, microwaves, and computers consume power even when turned off, as they remain in standby mode. This "standby power" is said to account for up to 12% of a household's power consumption. Completely turning off unused devices can prevent unnecessary power consumption.

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3. Use Washing Machines and Irons in Batches

Washing machines and irons consume a lot of power when they start. Therefore, processing laundry and ironing clothes in batches can prevent wasted electricity. It is also recommended to use the washing machine at full capacity.

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4. Minimize Opening and Closing of Refrigerator Doors

Frequently opening and closing the refrigerator door raises the internal temperature, increasing power consumption for cooling. By making it a habit to take out food all at once and reducing the number of times the door is opened and closed, you can save electricity.

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5. Switch to LED lighting

Compared to incandescent or fluorescent lights, LEDs can maintain the same brightness with about 1/4 to 1/5 of the power. Although the initial cost is slightly higher, it is definitely more economical in the long run. Also, make sure to turn off the lights in unused rooms frequently.

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6. Be strategic with microwave and oven use

By being strategic in how you use electronic devices, such as defrosting frozen food naturally in the refrigerator or not preheating the oven for too long, you can reduce unnecessary power consumption. Additionally, unplugging devices after use is also effective.

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7. Review air conditioner temperature settings

Even a 1-degree difference in air conditioner settings can significantly impact electricity costs. Set it to 28°C in summer and 20°C in winter, and use a fan in conjunction to improve heating and cooling efficiency. Also, remember to clean the filters regularly.

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8. Utilize natural light

Daytime brightness is sufficient with sunlight. Especially in summer, from 6 AM to sunset, it's bright enough not to need lighting. By opening windows to let in natural light and breeze, you can reduce the use of lighting and air conditioning.

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9. Choose energy-efficient appliances

When replacing refrigerators, washing machines, or air conditioners, check the "Energy Saving Label (Unified Energy Saving Label)." By choosing appliances with high energy efficiency, you can reduce electricity costs over more than 10 years.

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10. Share energy-saving awareness with the family

No matter how much effort you put in, it won't matter if your family is indifferent. By setting energy-saving goals or visualizing monthly electricity costs with graphs, everyone can participate with awareness. Engaging in "electricity cost challenges" or similar activities as a fun game can also be effective.

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Summary: Start using electricity "smartly" from today

The reasons for rising electricity costs are often beyond our control. However, anyone can reduce "waste" by reviewing how they use electricity. Making energy conservation a habit is important and is also an environmentally friendly initiative. Let's start practicing even one thing from today and learn the "smart way to use electricity."

For detailed energy-saving measures and electricity rate systems, please refer to here.

Reference Article