In January this year the state run electricity company TEDAS increased electricity prices for domestic users by 15% and businesses by 10%. However, when the new rates came through on our bill we noticed that the unit price had actually increased by some 18%.

As of today, 1 July, electricity prices are set to rise following the worldwide increase in oil and gas prices which make up a large proportion of electricity generating costs. So in the last 5 months electricity prices have increased by a whopping 40%.

But the government has also made another change from today and it now has the ability to vary prices in line with oil and gas prices without warning. The first we will know of any increases will be when our bill arrives.

But did you know you can save money if you are on the right tariff? If you are on a modern electronic meter with 3 tariffs, such as the ‘Meskin’ tariff, you can save money by using electricity at the right times.

The 3 tariffs are as follows:

1. Gunduz (Standard) Rate runs between 06:00 and 17:00
2. Puant (Highest) between 17:00 and 22:00 - 70% more than the standard rate
3. Gece (Lowest) between 22:00 and 06:00 – Half the standard rate

Check your electricity bill and to see if you have units recorded under these headings and if you do adjust your usage accordingly. For example, setting the washing machine, dishwasher and other large items to run after 22:00 will save you money if you would have put them on at other times, especially between 17:00 and 22:00.