Do you work from home? Ever wondered how telecommuting impacts your electricity bill? An analysis by Selectra indicates that the monthly cost can average around three euros; however, using air conditioning could significantly increase this amount.
“When considering daily use of devices like a laptop, monitor, television, and microwave (eight hours of laptop use, one hour of TV, and 10 minutes of microwave use per day, five days a week), the additional monthly cost is about three euros,” stated a report delivered to Notícias ao Minuto.
Telecommuting Expenses
- Laptop: approximately 1.32 euros per month on the free market, assuming 8 hours of daily use.
- Additional LED monitor: adds 0.13 euros per week, totaling around 1.84 euros per month when combined with the laptop.
- Television and microwave: contribute a minimal amount but add to the overall consumption, especially in homes where telecommuting extends the use of these appliances.
Additionally, “adding, for instance, air conditioning running for 2 hours per day could increase the monthly cost by up to 23 euros.”
Currently, the “proposal for an agreement made by the worker can only be rejected by the employer in writing, stating the reason for the refusal.” However, the government plans to remove this rule, making it easier for employers to refuse telecommuting requests from employees.
Notícias ao Minuto | 08:59 – 06/08/2025
Savings Tips
Selectra emphasizes that “with the return to routine post-vacation, it is crucial to review all expenses, including those related to telecommuting.” The energy tariffs expert shared some tips to reduce these costs in a statement to Notícias ao Minuto. They are as follows:
- Place your desk near a window and take advantage of natural light. This reduces the need for artificial lighting during the day, saving electricity while telecommuting.
- Use low-consumption LED bulbs instead of incandescent or fluorescent bulbs.
- Set your computer to automatically enter energy-saving mode when not in use, such as during lunch or breaks.
- Unplug the computer from the electrical outlet at the end of the day.
Stick to your work schedule and avoid excessive hours. Not only does this protect your well-being, but it also curtails increased energy consumption from prolonged operation of electronic devices. - Select the most suitable hourly rate for you. Several electricity companies offer tariffs with prices that vary according to the time of consumption.
- Utilize discounts associated with signing up for direct debit and electronic invoicing. These discounts are available only from free market providers.
- Opt for fixed tariffs to ensure a constant price throughout the contract. Variable tariffs may reflect market fluctuations, like indexed rates.
