You can save money by being energy wise and Powering Down?

We use energy every day of our lives.  Normal daily activities like cooking, washing, working and travelling are dependant on energy, but we are also becoming increasingly dependant as our habits change and our population increases. In Western Australia, energy consumption has gone up by over 15% in the last 15 years. Today, the average electricity bill per annum for a family is $1000 and it might be a surprise to find out how much energy is being consumed in your home.

Typical energy use in WA households

Household Expenditure	Type of energy consumption
Water Heating	$108.50
Heating & Cooling	$91
Refrigeration	$56
Cooking	$42
Other	$38.50
Lighting	$14
TOTAL	$350*

* Average electricity bill for a Perth family as of August 2009 based on an A1 tariff.

By implementing a few simple activities in your home, you could save more than 10% on your bill.  That could be as much as $210 per year.

Other ways to save money and save energy in your home

1. Air conditioning: Setting air-conditioners to 24 degrees Celsius or above could save you as much as 10 per cent of cooling costs. Evaporative coolers produce lower greenhouse gas emissions than refrigerated systems. Ceiling fans have the lowest emissions of all types of cooling systems. Save 291kg CO₂-e by switching to a higher energy star rated model.
2. Restrict pool pump use: Unless you are swimming, avoid running your pool pump between 4pm and 9pm. Use a timer on pool pumps and reduce operation over winter. Save 245kg CO₂- e and $50 per year for each hour not used.
3. Switch off: If possible turn off appliances, such as computers and televisions, at the wall. Switching off your second fridge could save $158 a year. Switching off computers could save $84 a year. Standby power can account for as much as 10 per cent of total power bills. Save 703kg CO₂-e / year by turning off at the switch.
4. Water heaters: Setting the thermostat to 60 degrees Celsius will save you money and still provide a hot shower.
5. Use major appliances at bed-time: Try to avoid using appliances between 4pm and 9pm – to help smooth peak electricity use. Use washing machines, dishwashers, dryers or any major appliance in low energy use times of the day.
6. Use lower wattage globes: Fit lower wattage globes or compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) and reduce greenhouse gases by up to 75 per cent compared to incandescent lights. Replace conventional low voltage halogen down lights with LED down light kits. Over its life, each bulb you switch to CFL could save you $45 and a third of a tonne of CO₂-e a year. Find out How to recycle compact fluorescent lighting.

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For more information read Power to the people (PDF 512kb)

More information

• Visit the Clean Energy website for information on Government rebates.
• Find out How to recycle compact fluorescent lighting.
• Read our blog: Simple energy saving tips