As energy prices in Australia continue to rise every year, it’s becoming increasingly important to find ways to save money on your electricity bill. The good news is that with some smart strategies, you can reduce the amount you pay for all year round!
To help keep the money in your pocket, we’ve compiled some of the best strategies you can adopt to reduce your electricity spend all year round.
1. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
When the time comes, make a conscious effort to choose appliances with high energy efficiency ratings. While they may require a slightly higher initial investment, energy-efficient appliances can lead to substantial long-term savings on your electricity bill. Additionally, remember to turn off all non-essential electrical devices when they’re not in use, as they still consume energy in standby mode. This small habit can accumulate significant savings over time.
2. Compare usage plans and providers
Be sure to compare plans from different providers to find the most affordable option for your household’s energy consumption. Electricity prices can vary significantly between different providers and researching the details each plan and provider offers will give you the best bang for your buck and can make all the difference in your final energy bill.
Look out for special offers as you may be eligible for discounts. Many companies and organisations offer group discounts to employees and members of existing service providers. Take advantage of these discounts to maximise your savings.
3. Invest in energy-saving technologies
Smart thermostats, energy monitors, and energy-efficient lighting are all great investments for reducing your electricity bills. Smart thermostats allow precise temperature control, optimizing energy usage. Energy monitors help you track and identify energy-consuming areas in your home, allowing you to make targeted improvements. Switching to energy-saving LED lighting can also drastically reduce your electricity bill in the long run.
4. Take advantage of natural lighting
Maximize the use of natural light in your home to reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day. Open curtains and blinds to let sunlight illuminate your space and naturally heat your home. A skylight will provide a lot of natural light without letting warm air escape.
Even in winter, try to take advantage of any sunny days to dry your load of washing, rather than relying on a dryer which can cause your energy bill to skyrocket.
5. Embrace Solar Power
Investing in solar panels is one of the most effective long-term strategies to reduce your energy bills. While there is an initial cost involved, solar energy is clean and abundant, and the technology continues to evolve, making it an increasingly viable and affordable option for Aussie households.
6. Mind the hot water
Most of us love the feeling of taking a long, hot shower after a big day. However, did you know that the energy your household consumes heating up your hot water during a shower can account for around 25% of your energy bill1?
When it comes to reducing your electricity bill, taking shorter showers is a great place to start. A typical modern showerhead uses around nine litres of water per minute. Of that, 40% is hot water, meaning that during an eight-minute shower you could consume almost 29 litres of hot water.
So next time you hop in the shower, make sure you don’t stay in there for too long – you’ll thank yourself later!
With rising energy prices in Australia, adopting energy-saving strategies is crucial for reducing your electricity bill and saving money in the long run. With a little bit of research and investment, you can drastically reduce your electricity bill and save a significant amount of money in the long run.
www.energy.gov.au. (n.d.). Reduce your energy bills | energy.gov.au. [online] Available at: https://www.energy.gov.au/households/household-guides/reduce-energy-bills.