Cracking the ARE-R Code A smarter way to slash electricity bills and embrace sustainability

The ARE-R method helps to control electricity bills in residential and commercial buildings.

- Dr. RAJESH KUMAR ARORA

Since the evolution of civilisation, humans have relied on light or, say, power in various forms to lead a comfortable life. In modern times, we are highly dependent on electrical power supply for the convenience of our daily lives. We use numerous appliances and gadgets at our residences and workplaces to make life convenient. As a result, the demand for electricity consumption has increased, leading to higher electricity bills.

We all wish to reduce our electricity bills, but we don't know how to do so. The question arises: "can we reduce our electricity bill?" the answer is, "yes, we can".

Thumb rule of ARE-R to reduce electricity bill

There is a thumb rule to reduce the electricity bill. If we follow this approach, we can reduce the bills. Let us understand the rule.

• The first alphabet, 'A', means avoid the use of electricity when not needed or in use.

• The second alphabet, 'R', means reduce use of electricity (use gadgets smartly).

• The third alphabet, 'E', represents energy efficient (replacing gadgets with energy-efficient ones).

• The fourth alphabet, 'R', means use of renewable energy (solar energy).

Avoid the use of electricity when not needed

We often make these silly mistakes in our daily lives, such as switching on lights, fans, or other appliances to do our work and then leaving the room without switching them off. This is a minor mistake, but because of this, not only does our electricity bill increase, but electricity also goes to waste.

For Example: Lights ON in an empty living room (figure 1)

Example for the calculation of waste of energy in bulbs