Environmentalists have listed practical tips that can help the public cut their electricity charges in anticipation of higher power rates this month.

The "kuryentipid” tips, contributed by sustainable lifestyle advocates from Ang Nars, Buklod Tao, Concerned Citizens Against Pollution, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Greenpeace Southeast Asia, Krusada sa Kalikasan, Miss Earth Foundation, Mother Earth Foundation, Sagip Sierra Madre Environmental Society, Sining Yapak, WomanHealth, and the EcoWaste Coalition’s Secretariat, were drawn up after Meralco earlier announced that it will charge its customers additional 54 centavos per kilowatt hour starting this month.

“The judicious use of electricity is not only good for the purse, but also for the planet. By saving energy, we cut greenhouse gas emissions from the burning fossil fuels like coal that is propelling climate change,” EcoWaste coordinator Rei Panaligan said.

He said the tips include simple methods like turning off lights, unplugging appliances when not in use, opening the windows, organizing household chores, and choosing not to iron clothes when unnecessary.

Environmentalist Rene Pineda stressed the need to “unclutter as much space as possible in order that natural light and ventilation can penetrate and circulate freely.”

Health rights advocate Dr. Leah Primitiva Samaco-Paquiz suggested a weekly “one-hour light off” nationwide to cut power use.

The tips also include opening of curtains and windows in homes or offices to let the natural light in, wiping lighting fixtures clean to improve illumination, using fans and use of airconditioners sparingly, and ensuring that fan blades and air-con filters are kept clean, and doing laundry, washing clothes, and cooking in less frequency.

Additional tips include putting leftover food on top of newly-cooked rice to warm it instead of using the stove, toaster, or microwave, keeping washing machine loads at maximum or washing manually if possible, using just the right amount of detergent to avoid extra rinsing, hanging clothes to dry, instead of using the electric dryer, avoid frequent opening of refrigerators, setting fridge temperature at 5° Celsius, and using a mosquito net instead of electric mosquito repellants or dangerous anti-mosquito coil ("katol").