WFH and the Energy Crisis Threat: 7 Electricity-Saving Tips to Implement While Working from Home

Indonesia is soon to implement a work-from-home (WFH) policy. The plan is for the WFH scheme to be applied for one day per week. This policy is seen as one step to curb fuel consumption, particularly from daily commuting activities that have contributed a significant energy burden. However, on the other hand, implementing WFH also has the potential to increase household electricity consumption. Work activities shifting to the home mean increased use of electronic devices, room cooling, and lighting. Without proper management, the energy savings from the transport sector could shift to a surge in electricity consumption at home. Therefore, it is important for you to apply energy-saving tips during WFH so that the benefits of efficiency remain optimal. Here are some energy-saving tips during WFH that you can apply: 1. Utilise Natural Light Use natural lighting as much as possible during the day. You can work near a window so you do not need to turn on the lights. In addition to saving electricity, natural light also helps improve focus while working. 2. Use Energy-Efficient Devices Choose electronic devices that have energy-saving features. Laptops tend to be more efficient than desktop computers, so they can be the primary choice to support work activities from home. 3. Manage AC Use Wisely Room cooling is one of the biggest contributors to electricity consumption. Set the temperature in the range of 24 to 26 degrees Celsius to remain comfortable without wasting energy. You can also combine it with a fan. 4. Turn Off Unused Devices Get into the habit of turning off electronic devices when not in use. Avoid leaving devices in standby mode as they still consume electricity. 5. Use Power Sockets with Switches Power sockets with switches allow you to disconnect the electricity flow more practically. This is effective for reducing hidden electricity consumption from multiple devices at once. 6. Arrange Work Schedule More Efficiently You can structure your work more efficiently, for example, utilising daytime without lights for light tasks. This pattern helps reduce overall energy use.