Sir, – Minister for Climate Eamon Ryan and others are suggesting ways to save electricity, which may cause some inconvenience to the consumer. The following does not.
The early electric kettles had a heating element inside the container raised up off the bottom. As they did not have a safety cut-out it was imperative to cover this element with almost a litre of water, even to make one cup of tea. This practice continues to this day and is collectively a considerable waste of electricity.
The modern kettle has the element under the base, a “minimum” marked on the outside measure, a thermostat so it will not boil dry, and a cut-out to protect it in the event that it is switched on without water. Having made sure that yours is not a very old model, try pouring only the amount of water required, a mug full, or up to the “min” marked into the kettle and see how quickly it boils. No waiting for a full kettle to boil which will go cold before it’s next required. I’ve been doing it for years without any adverse effect. – Yours, etc,
BRIAN GILLEN,
Dundrum,
Dublin 16.