<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR>Needy get help to cope with power price hikes
</TR><!-- headline one : end --><!-- Author --><TR><TD class="padlrt8 georgia11 darkgrey bold" colSpan=2>By Jessica Lim
</TD></TR><!-- show image if available --></TBODY></TABLE>
<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->COMMUNITY groups and development councils are gearing up to help the needy as electricity prices are poised to jump just over 20 per cent today.
Groups across the island are topping up vouchers and preparing other handouts to help families cope with the hike, the biggest one-time increase in about seven years.
Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng constituency has increased vouchers that cover essentials from $100 to $120, said MP Lily Neo (Jalan Besar GRC). She said discussions are under way to address electricity costs specifically.
As well, from tomorrow, the Nee Soon South constituency will raise its assistance to needy families between $10 and $50 because of hikes in utility prices, said MP Lee Bee Wah.
Despite the help, some Singaporeans are deeply concerned about the increase, which comes on the back of rising prices of oil used to generate power.
'I want to cry. Why do the bills have to go up?' asked Ms Fiona Thomas, a jobless single mother of three.
'Now I go around the house to make sure I switch off the fan and lights when they are not in use. It's going to be more difficult to foot bills now.'
The increase in power rates comes as Singaporeans contend with inflation, which hit a 26-year record in April, and a slowing economy.
The North West Community Development Council said about 35 per cent more residents sought social assistance last month compared to December last year. Officials expect the numbers to rise due to the electricity price hike.
In the meantime, non-profit organisations are lending a hand.
From next week, Presbyterian Community Services will be peppering the island with posters about energy conservation and giving the elderly tips on how to reduce power bills.
'When costs go up, usage must go down. That is the only way the needy do not need to pay more,' said Mr Laurence Wee, executive director of Presbyterian Community Services.
Sales of devices to push down electricity bills have also shot up in recent months.
An electricity usage tracking device called ETrack, launched in August, has been selling well. The only company in Singapore that markets the device, Bridex Harwal, reported that 70 units of the roughly $180 gadget have been sold last month. This is up from 28 in August and the company expects sales to double next month.
Other energy-saving gadgets like the $260 Power Save are also gaining popularity.
This locally developed gadget stabilises the flow of electricity and reduces power spikes when plugged into an outlet. Its maker says the device can cut electricity bills by 10 to 25 per cent.
</TR><!-- headline one : end --><!-- Author --><TR><TD class="padlrt8 georgia11 darkgrey bold" colSpan=2>By Jessica Lim
</TD></TR><!-- show image if available --></TBODY></TABLE>
<!-- START OF : div id="storytext"--><!-- more than 4 paragraphs -->COMMUNITY groups and development councils are gearing up to help the needy as electricity prices are poised to jump just over 20 per cent today.
Groups across the island are topping up vouchers and preparing other handouts to help families cope with the hike, the biggest one-time increase in about seven years.
Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng constituency has increased vouchers that cover essentials from $100 to $120, said MP Lily Neo (Jalan Besar GRC). She said discussions are under way to address electricity costs specifically.
As well, from tomorrow, the Nee Soon South constituency will raise its assistance to needy families between $10 and $50 because of hikes in utility prices, said MP Lee Bee Wah.
Despite the help, some Singaporeans are deeply concerned about the increase, which comes on the back of rising prices of oil used to generate power.
'I want to cry. Why do the bills have to go up?' asked Ms Fiona Thomas, a jobless single mother of three.
'Now I go around the house to make sure I switch off the fan and lights when they are not in use. It's going to be more difficult to foot bills now.'
The increase in power rates comes as Singaporeans contend with inflation, which hit a 26-year record in April, and a slowing economy.
The North West Community Development Council said about 35 per cent more residents sought social assistance last month compared to December last year. Officials expect the numbers to rise due to the electricity price hike.
In the meantime, non-profit organisations are lending a hand.
From next week, Presbyterian Community Services will be peppering the island with posters about energy conservation and giving the elderly tips on how to reduce power bills.
'When costs go up, usage must go down. That is the only way the needy do not need to pay more,' said Mr Laurence Wee, executive director of Presbyterian Community Services.
Sales of devices to push down electricity bills have also shot up in recent months.
An electricity usage tracking device called ETrack, launched in August, has been selling well. The only company in Singapore that markets the device, Bridex Harwal, reported that 70 units of the roughly $180 gadget have been sold last month. This is up from 28 in August and the company expects sales to double next month.
Other energy-saving gadgets like the $260 Power Save are also gaining popularity.
This locally developed gadget stabilises the flow of electricity and reduces power spikes when plugged into an outlet. Its maker says the device can cut electricity bills by 10 to 25 per cent.
