Worried about rising electricity costs? You’re not alone. The good news, however, is that it’s still possible to save money on your energy bill even when the price of electricity goes up – here’s what you should know.
Why Electricity Costs Are Rising
Essentially, it comes down to infrastructure.
Replacing an ageing distribution system – such as transmission poles and wires – costs money, and these costs are passed down to consumers. But do we really need to replace this infrastructure?
In short, yes. As the Australian population grows over time, more stress is placed on the network. The only way to reduce the chance of power outages and ensure that everyone can reliably access electricity is to upgrade the distribution system.
How to Reduce Your Electricity Bill
Okay, so that’s why electricity bills are going up. But is there anything we can do to keep our power costs under control? Absolutely. Here are eight easy ways to start reducing your power consumption and cutting your electricity bill.
1. Use Cold Water to Wash Clothes
Most washing machines have energy-efficient eco settings that allow you to wash laundry effectively at lower temperatures. Colder cycles are cheaper to run than hot washes, so keep the high temperatures for heavily soiled loads only.
2. Turn Down the Thermostat
Turning down the thermostat by just one degree can save you up to 10% in power costs. So, next time you’re a bit chilly, throw on a jumper first before reaching for the thermostat.
3. Switch to LED Lightbulbs
LED lightbulbs last longer than traditional bulbs, and they’re more energy efficient. They produce as much light as older bulbs, too, so you won’t notice a decrease in lighting quality!
4. Turn Off Standby
This one’s really simple: turn off appliances at the wall when you’re not using them so they’re not wasting energy.
5. Insulate Your Home
You can save up to 50% on energy each year just by insulating your home, so give this some serious consideration.
6. Keep Doors Closed
By keeping doors and windows closed, you’re locking in the heat, so you’re less likely to turn up the thermostat! This is a really simple hack for everyone to try, and it’s a free alternative to insulation if you can’t afford that just now.
7. Monitor Energy Usage
Energy monitors show you exactly how much electricity you’re using and help you to identify ways to cut back on costs. Ask your supplier if an energy monitor is suitable for you.
8. Compare Different Tariffs
Shop around for the cheapest deals – don’t just assume the first quote you find is the best option for your family. You can check out price comparison sites for more information.
Conclusion
Sure, rising electricity costs are a problem, but it’s not all doom and gloom. By changing just a few habits around the home, you can still save money on your power bill.
