The average household used 4per cent less electricity between May and Aug than it did during the same period last year, figures from SP Services reveal.

The households with the highest decline were five-room flats followed by private apartments.

Residents told The Straits Times they are shutting off the air-con, switching to energy-efficient bulbs and even throwing out old lamps to combat the effects of rising tariffs, which are on a 15-month march northward.

'A more energy efficient lifestyle means a more affordable lifestyle,' said Mr Rajesh Achanta, 42.

The father of three, who lives in a semi- detached house, has gone as far as dimming the lights during dinner to save power. Overall, he saves $10 a month.

Electricity tariffs, which are linked to the price of fuel oil, have risen for five straight quarters. They jumped 21per cent on Oct1, the biggest one-time increase in about seven years.

Read the full story in Saturday's edition of The Straits Times.