If your electricity token runs out faster than you expect, you’re not alone. In most Indonesian homes, a handful of appliances, especially the air conditioner, use most of the power. The good news is that learning how to save electricity at home is mostly about small habits, not big spending.
This guide shows you the current PLN tariffs, how to work out what each appliance really costs, and 10 practical ways to cut your bill.
5 quick wins
Short on time? Start with these five ways to save electricity at home today.
- Set the AC to 24 to 25°C and keep doors and windows closed.
- Switch off the rice cooker’s “warm” mode once the rice is cooked.
- Turn off the water dispenser heater when you don’t need hot water.
- Unplug chargers, TVs and decoders instead of leaving them on standby.
- Swap any remaining old bulbs for LED.
How much does electricity cost in Indonesia?
The government kept PLN electricity tariffs unchanged for October to December 2026. These are the current household rates per kWh:
Household class | Tariff per kWh |
450 VA (subsidised) | Rp415 |
900 VA (subsidised) | Rp605 |
900 VA (non-subsidised) | Rp1,352 |
1,300 VA and 2,200 VA | Rp1,444.70 |
3,500 VA and above | Rp1,699.53 |
Tariffs are reviewed every three months, so rates for January to March 2027 will be announced before the new year. You can find your connection class on your meter, your bill or the PLN Mobile app.
How to calculate what your appliances cost
To see where your money goes, use this simple formula:
Cost = watts × hours used ÷ 1,000 × tariff per kWh
For example, an air conditioner using 800 watts that runs for 8 hours a day uses 6.4 kWh a day, or about 192 kWh over 30 days. On a 1,300 VA connection at Rp1,444.70 per kWh, that’s roughly Rp277,000 a month for that one appliance.
You’ll find an appliance’s wattage on the sticker on the back or in the manual. Try working out the cost of your AC, fridge, water pump and rice cooker, and you’ll quickly see which habits are worth changing first.
10 ways to save electricity at home
1. Use the AC smarter
In homes that have one, the air conditioner is usually the biggest user of electricity. Set it to around 24 to 25°C instead of the lowest setting, close doors and windows while it’s on, and clean the filter every month so it doesn’t have to work harder. At night, use the timer or switch to a fan once the room is cool.
2. Switch off the rice cooker's warm mode
Many households leave rice on “warm” for hours, sometimes all day. That keeps the heating element running long after cooking is done. Cook only what you need, switch it off afterwards, and reheat rice when it’s time to eat.
3. Turn off the water dispenser heater
Dispensers with hot water keep heating all day and night. Turn off the heater switch at night, when you’re out, and whenever you don’t need hot water.
4. Look after your fridge
Keep the door closed as much as possible, let hot food cool before putting it in, and leave a gap behind the fridge so air can circulate. Check that the door seal is tight; a worn seal lets cold air escape.
5. Unplug standby devices
TVs, decoders, chargers, speakers and microwaves draw a little power even when they’re “off”. On its own that’s small, but across many devices it adds up. A power strip with a switch makes it easy to turn everything off at once.
6. Switch to LED lighting
LED bulbs use much less electricity than old incandescent bulbs and last far longer. Start by replacing the lights you use most, such as the living room and kitchen.
7. Fix leaks so the water pump runs less
A dripping tap or leaking toilet makes the water pump switch on more often. Fix leaks quickly and check that the float switch in your water tank works properly.
8. Use daylight and fresh air
Open curtains during the day instead of switching on lights. In the cooler hours of morning and evening, open windows for ventilation before reaching for the AC.
9. Run the washing machine with full loads
Fewer, fuller cycles use less electricity than several small ones. Use cold water settings where available, and dry clothes in the sun rather than using a dryer.
10. Check the energy label before you buy
When replacing an appliance, compare energy-saving labels and power ratings. For air conditioners, inverter models are designed to use less electricity over time than standard models. A slightly higher price can pay for itself through lower bills.
How to save money on electricity at home
Saving electricity is one half of the story; keeping an eye on your bill is the other.
- If you use prepaid tokens: check the remaining kWh on your meter once a week. A sudden drop can reveal an appliance left on or a fault.
- If you pay monthly: compare the kWh you used, not just the rupiah amount, because tariffs can change from quarter to quarter.
- Use the PLN Mobile app to track your usage history and buy tokens through official channels.
- Think about your connection size. A higher VA lets you run more appliances at once but may come with a different tariff. If you’re considering a change, check the options with PLN first.
- Buy tokens only from official apps or trusted outlets. Fake token sellers and phishing links are a common online scam.
What Indonesian households say
We’re asking households across Indonesia about their electricity use.
Which appliance uses the most electricity in your home?
- Air conditioner
- Fridge
- Rice cooker
- Water pump
- Water dispenser
- I’m not sure
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Frequently asked questions
1. Which appliance uses the most electricity at home?
In homes with air conditioning, usually the AC, followed by the fridge and anything that heats water or runs a pump. Your own habits decide the exact order.
2. Does unplugging appliances save electricity?
Yes. Standby power is small for one device, but it adds up across a TV, decoder, chargers and kitchen appliances left plugged in all day.
3. What is the PLN tariff for 1,300 VA?
Rp1,444.70 per kWh for October to December 2026. Tariffs are reviewed every three months.
4. Is a prepaid token cheaper than postpaid?
The tariff per kWh is the same. Prepaid simply makes it easier to see how quickly you’re using electricity.
5. Did electricity prices rise in October 2026?
No. The government kept tariffs unchanged for October to December 2026.
