Five ways to cut costs as electricity prices soar

September looks set to be an expensive month for households with high electricity consumption, DR reports. The average price so far this month is above one krone per kilowatt-hour, which could make September the most expensive month since the 2022 energy crisis if prices remain at that level.

Consumers can reduce their bills by adjusting when and how they use electricity. Here are five tips.

Move consumption away from the most expensive hours

Several apps provide an overview of changing electricity prices throughout the day. Electricity is at its most expensive today between 7pm and 8pm, according to Kristian Rune Poulsen, chief consultant at Green Power Denmark.

Charging an electric car at another time, for example, could save money. Charging during an expensive hour can cost 50 to 60 kroner or more, Poulsen says.

Turn off unnecessary appliances

Older electronics can continue using electricity without their owners noticing. Tue Patursson, a building specialist at Bolius whose expertise includes energy, says a stereo system he has had for about 18 years uses around 700 kroner of electricity a year in standby mode.

He recommends switching such appliances off completely.

Find out where your electricity is going

Keeping an eye on the electricity meter can help households understand their consumption. If people do not already have a meter or are unsure what uses their electricity, Patursson says a meter can make it easier to identify where consumption can be reduced and which appliances should be switched off.

Choose a simple dinner

Electricity prices are high around dinner time, so preparing a simpler meal can make sense, Patursson says. Instead of making a roast that requires a long cooking time, households could choose something quick, such as an open-faced sandwich.

Suggest other activities for young people

Gaming computers are another significant source of electricity consumption, according to Patursson. Encouraging young people to play board games instead could reduce costs while providing a social activity.

Victor Laasby from Faaborg has already adopted the idea. He and his brother play a lot, but when electricity is more expensive, they sometimes switch off their computers one or two hours earlier than usual.