Utilities bill redesigned to help people better track and reduce energy and water use

HDB flats seen in Dover and Clementi areas.
ST PHOTO: KEVIN LIM

SINGAPORE - The utilities bill you get from this month (August) onwards will have a new look. It has been redesigned to help residential consumers track and take steps to reduce their energy and water consumption. This initiative is a joint effort by SP Services, the Energy Market Authority (EMA), national water agency PUB and City Gas.

The utilities bill was redesigned with inputs from usability tests with the public, said the four organisations in a joint statement on Monday (Aug 1). The new layout allows consumers to view utility usage at a glance, compare the average consumption of neighbours living in similar housing types or streets as well as the national average, and learn how they could be more efficient in their consumption.

Highlights from the redesigned bill include:

* a concise bill summary to easily view one's account information;

* consumption graphs showing the previous months' usage and comparisons with neighbours' and national average consumption;

* personalised tips and advice on how to be more energy- and water-efficient;

* the use of icons for improved clarity; and

* larger text to emphasise important information such as "Total amount".

SP Services managing director Chuah Kee Heng and City Gas chief executive Kenny Tan said the redesigned bill is user-friendly in helping people read and compare their utilities consumption.

Said Mr Chuah: "We designed the bill to help customers adopt more energy- and water-efficient habits. At a glance, they can clearly see their charges, consumption for the past five months and compare it with their efficient neighbours as well as the national average."

EMA chief executive Ng Wai Choong said: "The redesigned utilities bill makes energy savings information more accessible to households. This hopefully encourages them to adopt energy-efficient measures in their homes. Improving energy efficiency is a key strategy."

PUB chief financial officer Chew Siow Nee said: "To ensure water sustainability in the long run, we need to manage not only water supply but also water demand. It is important that people understand their role in conserving water. A well-designed bill can help them track their usage at a glance."

The redesigned bill is Singapore Power's latest initiative to promote energy and water efficiency to its customers. In May this year, SP Services, EMA and PUB launched a new mobile app to help consumers reduce energy and water consumption, lower their utilities bill and conserve the environment.

SOURCE: SINGAPORE POWER

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