Why electricity use changes during harmattan—and how to measure it

What to check first

Start with the evidence already in front of you. A precise account, meter, product or safety detail is more useful than guessing from the outcome alone.

• kWh bought and used before and during harmattan.
• New use of kettles, heaters, hot-water systems or longer lighting hours.
• Dust on filters, vents and refrigerator coils.
• Any tariff or account deduction change on receipts.

Step by step

Work through the existing transaction, account or installation in order. Keep the reference and result from each step before moving to the next.

• Record seven normal days of meter readings and appliance use.
• Clean serviceable filters and vents with equipment safely off.
• Estimate new seasonal loads from watts and hours.
• Build the budget from measured kWh and the current tariff.

Mistakes to avoid

These shortcuts often turn a traceable problem into a second payment, a lost evidence trail or a safety risk.

• Applying a generic 20% or 50% multiplier without measurement.
• Assuming every faster balance drop is a meter fault.
• Opening equipment or sealed meters to clean internally.

When to escalate

If kWh use remains implausible after comparing like-for-like days and isolating major loads, arrange a safe installation check and report suspected meter faults.