Bhopal, May 27: 'You curse the electronic meter or the electric company when your electricity bill is in your hand. But you never thought your own habit might be responsible for the higher bill. If you take a little precaution, even after new tariff is in force, your electricity bill amount will be less. The remote control to reduce your bill is in your hands'.

This is what the Central Region Electricity Distribution Company says. Only that you change your habit a little and take more precaution. The company, in a survey, has come to know that most of the remote controlled electronic items are kept in 'standby' mode. Even if the TV is not on and unless you switch off, it consumes electricity and therefore your bill is on the higher side.

In a survey at a posh colony, it is found that most of them use remote control of TV but the main switch is not switched off. Due to this the TV screen is off but power supply is on to the TV.In this way 15 watt current is passed on in a 21" TV which moves your meter. Just due to this approximately an amount of Rs 37 per month or Rs 444 in a year is spent extra on electricity bill for no good reason. During the survey, 30 per cent said they switch off the main switch of TV only at the time of going to sleep.

A trader, who is paying minimum bill informed that earlier his power bill was on the higher side. An electrician advised him to use only Compact Florescent Lamps (CFL). These 20 watt lights give light equal to that of 60 watt bulbs or 55 watt tube lights. This way he can save up to 70 per cent electricity.

A principal of school also decided to switch off the electric items on the advice of an electrical engineer for the sake of safety and saving electricity. Now he is advising the school students how to save money and electricity.

How to save electricity?

1. Switch off fan and other electric items while leaving the room.

2. Switch off unnecessary electric items before going to sleep.

3. Switch off TV and other remote controlled items from main switch.

4. Use CFL lamps at home.

5. Use electronic regulator for fans.

6. Don't cover the spot light lamps.

7. Keep food items inside the fridge only when it is in room temperature.