By the end of the topic, learners will be able to:

• Define electrical power as the rate at which electrical energy is supplied

• State that electrical power is measured in units called watts (W) or kilowatts (kW)

• Explain that all electrical appliances use electrical power to work

• Explain that the power rating of appliances can be determined by looking at the back panel of the appliance.

• State that one watt of power is equal to one joule of energy supplied in a second

• State that 1 watt = 1 joule per second

• Explain that consumers pay for the quantity (amount) of power they use

• Explain that we can calculate the quantity of electrical power used by multiplying the power rating of the appliance by the number of hours it was in use.

• Explain that the cost is calculated by multiplying the power rating of the appliance by the number of hours it was in use, multiplied by the unit price of electricity

• Explain that the unit price of electricity changes every year

• Explain that in South Africa, our electricity unit charges work on a sliding scale.

• State that different appliances consume different amounts of energy

• Explain that fluorescent light bulbs are more energy efficient than incandescent light bulbs

• Explain that appliances that use less energy to work will reduce the cost of electricity.

• State that alternative appliances and systems can be used to reduce electricity usage and costs

• Explain that solar heating panels can be used to reduce electricity usage and costs.

• List some careers involved in the energy sector

• Explain the role of these careers in the energy sector.