SINGAPORE: Some condominiums in Singapore are stepping up efforts to save on electricity costs as energy prices rise due to the Middle East conflict, which has strained global fuel supply chains.
From exploring solar panel installations to adopting artificial intelligence (AI)-powered lighting, estates are seeking ways to reduce costs while maintaining residents’ quality of life.
At La Casa condominium in Woodlands, for example, energy-intensive facilities such as swimming pools are a key focus.
The estate operates five pools, with water pumps running around the clock to maintain cleanliness and safety.
“We need some pumps to be still in circulation to ensure that there's no algae growth (and) that the water still remains clean,” noted La Casa’s management council chairman Mike Shee.
“We have already requested our managing agent to look into solar panel installation at our rooftop. We are now in the feasibility study stage.”
While the impact of rising energy prices has not yet been fully felt, the management is preparing for increases, said Mr Shee. The condominium is not on a fixed price plan for electricity and will “look into it” if the opportunity arises, he added.
On Tuesday (Mar 31), the Energy Market Authority warned of potentially sharper increases in electricity and town gas tariffs due to the war on Iran.
“We know that it’s coming - the energy prices could rise … We will want to take every possible measure to save electricity or utilities in any form,” Mr Shee told CNA.
In the meantime, La Casa’s management is urging residents to play their part to reduce costs, such as by switching off lights at shared facilities when they are not in use.
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Other developments are turning to technology for longer-term savings.
At Bellewoods condominium, its management plans to install AI-powered lighting across common areas by July - a move expected to cut energy consumption by about 30 per cent.
For example, if most residents of a particular block will be out during a certain period, the lights could automatically be turned off, said Eugene Ho, chairman of the management council at Bellewoods.
“We are more concerned that … we are going to be paying more and more … so with all these things, these are major push factors for us to really rethink the way that we are consuming electricity,” he added.
“Are there ways that we can still maintain the same level of quality of life without affecting our residents, but at the same time pay less?”
Industry players say such measures are becoming increasingly common.
At property services firm Ohmyhome, about 35 per cent of the estates it manages have begun exploring, planning or implementing energy-saving initiatives since the start of the year, said CEO of Ohmyhome Property Management Kenneth Chong.
These include adopting AI-powered lighting systems that adjust based on human traffic, as well as securing better electricity rates through early contract renewals amid anticipated market volatility.
However, the extent to which condominiums can implement such measures often depends on their size and available resources.
“I think we will see a lot of rationalisation more towards usage, because that is an easier path for (condominium management councils) to take,” said Association of Strata Managers’ president Andrew Lioe.
“By shutting down the operational hours, you don't need any equipment, or you don't need anything additional to invest in to be able to do that.
“Whereas to invest in maybe a smart system or AI system that controls the timing, there is some investment involved and some MCST (management corporation strata titles) may be worried about what the return on investment is,” he added.
He noted that management councils must strike a careful balance between cutting costs and maintaining expected living standards.
“Condominiums are also expected to have a certain standard and a certain lifestyle … so there is a fine balance to which the MCST can rationalise these electricity usages.”
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From exploring solar panel installations to adopting artificial intelligence (AI)-powered lighting, estates are seeking ways to reduce costs while maintaining residents’ quality of life.
At La Casa condominium in Woodlands, for example, energy-intensive facilities such as swimming pools are a key focus.
The estate operates five pools, with water pumps running around the clock to maintain cleanliness and safety.
“We need some pumps to be still in circulation to ensure that there's no algae growth (and) that the water still remains clean,” noted La Casa’s management council chairman Mike Shee.
“We have already requested our managing agent to look into solar panel installation at our rooftop. We are now in the feasibility study stage.”
While the impact of rising energy prices has not yet been fully felt, the management is preparing for increases, said Mr Shee. The condominium is not on a fixed price plan for electricity and will “look into it” if the opportunity arises, he added.
On Tuesday (Mar 31), the Energy Market Authority warned of potentially sharper increases in electricity and town gas tariffs due to the war on Iran.
“We know that it’s coming - the energy prices could rise … We will want to take every possible measure to save electricity or utilities in any form,” Mr Shee told CNA.
In the meantime, La Casa’s management is urging residents to play their part to reduce costs, such as by switching off lights at shared facilities when they are not in use.
CNA Games
Show More Show Less
Related:
AI-POWERED LIGHTS
Other developments are turning to technology for longer-term savings.
At Bellewoods condominium, its management plans to install AI-powered lighting across common areas by July - a move expected to cut energy consumption by about 30 per cent.
For example, if most residents of a particular block will be out during a certain period, the lights could automatically be turned off, said Eugene Ho, chairman of the management council at Bellewoods.
“We are more concerned that … we are going to be paying more and more … so with all these things, these are major push factors for us to really rethink the way that we are consuming electricity,” he added.
“Are there ways that we can still maintain the same level of quality of life without affecting our residents, but at the same time pay less?”
Industry players say such measures are becoming increasingly common.
At property services firm Ohmyhome, about 35 per cent of the estates it manages have begun exploring, planning or implementing energy-saving initiatives since the start of the year, said CEO of Ohmyhome Property Management Kenneth Chong.
These include adopting AI-powered lighting systems that adjust based on human traffic, as well as securing better electricity rates through early contract renewals amid anticipated market volatility.
However, the extent to which condominiums can implement such measures often depends on their size and available resources.
“I think we will see a lot of rationalisation more towards usage, because that is an easier path for (condominium management councils) to take,” said Association of Strata Managers’ president Andrew Lioe.
“By shutting down the operational hours, you don't need any equipment, or you don't need anything additional to invest in to be able to do that.
“Whereas to invest in maybe a smart system or AI system that controls the timing, there is some investment involved and some MCST (management corporation strata titles) may be worried about what the return on investment is,” he added.
He noted that management councils must strike a careful balance between cutting costs and maintaining expected living standards.
“Condominiums are also expected to have a certain standard and a certain lifestyle … so there is a fine balance to which the MCST can rationalise these electricity usages.”
Related:
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