There are many simple things you can do to reduce your energy bills, and why not borrow a Save Energy Kit from the library? Available for borrowing free of charge, these kits contain devices that can help you measure energy use, running costs and temperatures in your house.
To reduce your electricity consumption, you can:
- insulate your roof and walls
- switch to LED globes
- seal draughts around doors and windows
- switch off appliances at the wall – using standby power can cost hundreds of dollars per year
- set your air conditioning thermostat a little lower – somewhere between 18 and 20 degrees
- ensure your fridge temperature is between 3 and 5 degrees and your freezer temperature is between -15 and -18 degrees
- use cold water cycles in your washing machine
- use window coverings such as curtains, shutters or blinds to keep a stable temperature inside.
Solar power
More than two million Australian households have now installed solar panels, and in Kempsey Shire nearly 25% of households have solar panels. Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are usually mounted on your roof and convert energy from sunlight into direct current (DC) energy.
Although solar systems have an initial up-front cost, they will save you money in the long run. The SunSPoT solar potential tool is an online solar savings calculator that shows what solar and batteries can do for you.
The NSW Government is also running a trial to help low-income households access clean energy and reduce their power costs. If you are eligible, a solar system could be installed at your home for free and potentially cut your electricity bill by up to $600 a year. Read more about the Solar for Low Income Households trial.
Other renewable energy options
GreenPower is a government-managed program that gives households and businesses access to certified renewable energy. Whether you own your home or you are renting, using GreenPower means you will create less carbon pollution and your money will go towards supporting renewable energy generation in Australia. Contact your electricity provider or go to https://www.greenpower.gov.au for more information.