With the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) recently approving an 8,76% electricity tariff hike set to take effect this April, South African households are once again looking for ways to reduce their monthly power consumption.
While much of the focus remains on alternative power solutions and off-grid living, local households can seek out improvements in their energy efficiency by simply purchasing locally manufactured products that will help them save on their monthly electricity bill.
Hisense SA is promoting the move to greener appliances, ahead of Earth Hour this year. On Saturday (28 March) millions of households around the world switched off their lights for sixty minutes to raise awareness about environmental conservation.
Yet an equally important sustainability story is unfolding on the screens that remain on.
As home electronics play an increasingly central role in daily life, improving energy efficiency has become a critical focus of innovation, particularly in markets such as South Africa, where electricity costs are a pressing concern for consumers.
For Hisense, greener technology begins long before a television reaches the living room. The company’s commitment to local manufacturing is anchored by its R350-million facility in Atlantis, Western Cape, which produces energy-efficient televisions and home appliances for both the domestic and export markets.
By manufacturing these locally, Hisense is also able to significantly reduce the carbon footprint associated with international shipping and logistics, while simultaneously supporting job creation and industrial growth in the region.
“Globally, Hisense is setting new benchmarks for environmentally responsible manufacturing,” says shares Luna Nortje, deputy-GM at Hisense.
“In 2025, the Hisense Hitachi Huangdao Factory was recognised by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as the world’s first Sustainability Lighthouse in the VRF sector, showcasing how AI-driven production enables more efficient manufacturing.
“Building on this achievement, the Hisense Visual Technology Qingdao Factory was recognised by the WEF as a Customer Centricity Lighthouse, becoming the first and only Lighthouse factory in the global television industry.”
These dual recognitions reflect a broader shift in Hisense’s manufacturing network toward sustainability and operational excellence, a foundation that extends naturally into its 2026 TV lineup available in South Africa.
Nortje adds: “Hisense’s latest models showcase energy-aware innovation across hardware and smart features. The upcoming UR9 series, set for global launch in April, introduces solar-powered remote controls to various regions.
“Features such as the Adaptive Light Sensor and dedicated energy-saving modes automatically adjust screen brightness and power use based on ambient lighting conditions, helping South African consumers manage their electricity consumption more efficiently without compromising on picture quality.”
Hisense is extending its sustainability approach beyond the product itself. The company’s eco-care packaging uses FSC 100% certified wood and fibre materials sourced from responsibly managed forests, reducing the environmental impact throughout the production and delivery process.
Moreover, Hisense is advancing product-level environmental assessment. The Laser Projector C3 has undergone Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and product carbon footprint (PCF) verification by SGS, supporting the transparent evaluation of environmental impact across the entire product lifecycle.
“Many environmental improvements are happening quietly through engineering advances that improve efficiency, reduce waste, and extend product lifecycles without changing how people experience technology – while steadily lowering their environmental impact and helping South African consumers navigate the rising cost of living,” concludes Nortje.