Singaporeans Turn to Extreme Measures as Electricity Prices Soar

Singapore, Singapore Jul 12, 2026 ALN: Some Singaporeans are apparently choosing to be at home without lights, as households face record-high electricity and town gas tariffs following sharp increases that took effect from July to September. This unprecedented rise in utility costs has prompted individuals to adopt extreme measures in an attempt to manage their household expenses.

A netizen’s account of his friend’s decision to live in the dark amid soaring utility prices has sparked a lively discussion on social media, with some Singaporeans sharing their own tactics on how to save electricity costs. The phenomenon highlights not only the challenges faced by residents but also the broader implications of rising energy prices in a city-state that relies heavily on imported energy resources.

Facebook user Eugene Ng took to the Complaint Singapore Facebook page on Monday (6 Jul) and recounted what he described as his friend’s money-saving strategy. He wrote, “My friend tell me he save electricity and money by using powerbank to charge his phone at home and than bring the powerbank to his office to charge.” This anecdote reflects a growing trend among Singaporeans who are increasingly concerned about their household budgets in light of rising utility costs.

Asking if his friend is a genius, Mr Ng added, “At home, he don’t on the lights. He use a lamp that uses rechargeable AA batteries. He brings the AA batteries to charge it in his office and than brings back to his home to use on the lamp.” The post prompted a flood of reactions from other Facebook users, with some saying they knew people who had adopted similar habits to avoid paying for electricity at home. This grassroots response illustrates the lengths to which some citizens are willing to go in order to mitigate the financial burden of increased utility rates.

One commenter recalled that a former colleague had been doing much the same thing, writing: “He brought 2 sets of 20000mah powerbank to charge EVERYDAY. One for his own use, the other for his 2 sons’ use.” The commenter added that the colleague also used rechargeable AA and AAA batteries for household devices, but concluded that despite the effort, “end of the day… he never gets rich also.” This sentiment resonates with many who find themselves in a similar predicament, grappling with the reality that while they may implement cost-saving measures, substantial savings may not be realized in the long run.

Others, however, argued that the strategy was unlikely to make much difference to a household’s electricity bill. One commenter described the idea as “really quite underwhelming,” pointing out that charging mobile devices costs relatively little compared with running major household appliances. “Running an air-conditioner for one night can easily cost more than charging those power banks for an entire month,” the commenter wrote, adding that greater savings would come from using air-conditioners more efficiently, reducing hot water usage, and replacing older, less energy-efficient appliances. This perspective underscores the importance of adopting a holistic approach to energy consumption rather than relying on isolated tactics.

Another user was equally sceptical, remarking that “The cost of buying power bank is more than 5 years of charging devices cost.” Such comments reflect a critical understanding of the economic implications of energy-saving strategies, encouraging a more comprehensive evaluation of household expenses. As the discussion continued, many commenters responded with tongue-in-cheek suggestions that took the idea of shifting household costs to the workplace even further. One quipped: “Don’t forget to take shower in your workplace and bring some water containers and fill in there.”

Another joked that if the aim was to save as much as possible, “Aircon and heater are the ones that eat the most electricity, he should sleep and bathe in the office instead. Save more!” Similar remarks followed, with one netizen writing, “Might as well stay in office 24/7,” while another asked, “Did he bathe at the office too? After that, carry a few pails of water home? Water is expensive too.” This humorous commentary serves to alleviate some of the stress associated with rising costs while also highlighting the absurdity of extreme cost-saving measures.

The discussion comes against the backdrop of sharply rising energy costs in Singapore. The Energy Market Authority (EMA) announced on 30 June that household electricity tariffs would increase by 17% compared with the previous quarter, while household town gas tariffs would rise by 7.1%. According to an EMA spokesperson, both tariffs have reached their highest levels on record. This increase is particularly alarming for households already facing the pressures of inflation and a higher cost of living.

EMA said the increases were driven by higher global natural gas prices, which surged from the end of February and remained elevated through April to June. The increase in fuel costs has pushed up the cost of generating electricity and producing town gas in Singapore. The reliance on imported natural gas, which accounts for about 95% of the country’s electricity generation, makes Singapore particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy markets.

SP Group reported that the household electricity tariff increased by 4.64 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) to 31.91 cents per kWh before the Goods and Services Tax (GST), surpassing the previous record of 30.45 cents per kWh set in the fourth quarter of 2008. This increase is not just a number; it represents a tangible impact on the monthly budgets of families and individuals across the island. Based on the revised tariff, a typical four-room Housing and Development Board (HDB) household is expected to pay an average of S$17.14 more each month for electricity before GST, a significant amount for many households.

Overall electricity tariffs for all consumers, including businesses and non-household users, rose by an average of 17.5%. This broad increase indicates that the financial strain is not limited to residential consumers but extends to the business sector, potentially affecting the overall economy. As companies grapple with higher operational costs, there may be a trickle-down effect on prices for goods and services, exacerbating inflationary pressures.

Meanwhile, City Energy increased the household town gas tariff by 1.56 cents per kWh to 23.48 cents per kWh before GST, edging past the previous record of 23.42 cents per kWh set in the third quarter of 2024. The cumulative effect of these increases raises concerns about energy affordability and accessibility, particularly for lower-income households who may struggle to keep up with rising costs.

The latest tariff increases follow escalating tensions in the Middle East, with disruptions to global fuel supply chains contributing to higher natural gas prices. Earlier in June, EMA had warned that the conflict was expected to lead to a significant increase in regulated electricity tariffs. As geopolitical factors continue to influence energy markets, Singaporeans may need to brace themselves for further fluctuations in utility rates in the future.

In conclusion, the rising electricity and gas tariffs in Singapore have prompted some residents to adopt extreme measures to save on their utility bills. While some strategies may seem innovative, they may not yield significant savings in the long term. The broader implications of these rising costs highlight the vulnerabilities of a city-state reliant on imported energy and the potential economic ripple effects that could follow. As the situation develops, it will be crucial for authorities and consumers alike to explore sustainable solutions to manage energy consumption effectively and mitigate the impact of rising utility costs on households and businesses.