Modern City Hotel Tamale cuts electricity bill by GHS30,000 monthly

Modern City Hotel in Tamale has cut its monthly electricity bill from GHS150,000 to GHS120,000. This 20% reduction is due to a new smart key card system. The system turns off lights and air conditioning automatically when guests leave their rooms.

This matters because Ghana's demand for electricity is growing. Most of Ghana's power, around 64% to 66%, comes from thermal plants. These plants burn fossil fuels, creating greenhouse gases. By saving electricity, hotels help reduce these emissions and ease pressure on the national grid.

The hotel's General Manager, Abigail Adjei, said the system removes human error. Guests often leave appliances on. The smart card stops this waste. Beyond cost savings, the system also improves safety. It powers down devices like chargers, reducing fire risks and protecting equipment.

Energy experts say small savings like these can have a large effect when many businesses adopt them. The smart card system is a simple solution. It does not need big changes to existing buildings.

Looking ahead, experts suggest more smart systems are needed. Homes could use smart meters and home energy management systems. These allow control over specific appliances. This avoids turning off essential items like fridges while still saving power. Research is ongoing at the University of Energy and Natural Resources to adapt these ideas for Ghanaian homes.