FEATURE STORY
WORDS Nina Parletta
YOU HAVE
THE POWER Do you cringe every time you get your energy bill? You are not alone. An increasing number of us are feeling the pinch thanks to rising living costs coupled with the pressures of running a modern household.
You can learn to: • Negotiate a better deal with energy retailers • Reduce your lighting, heating, cooling and hot water costs • Make your home or small business more energy efficient
Luckily there are a number of tips you can try to keep your energy bills as low as possible. If you are a homeowner, renter or own a small business, EnergySmart South Australia provides lots of ways to reduce your energy bills at little or no cost.
EnergySmart South Australia, in partnership with John Dee, has released a free downloadable book called The 10 Step Guide to Reducing Your Energy Bills for people to use as a guide to help them reduce their costs.
10 steps to help reduce your energy bill 1 Negotiate a better energy deal 2 Switch off and save 3 Watch your thermostat 4 Cut your lighting bills 5 Get comfortable with insulation 6 Lower your heating and cooling costs 7 Cut your IT and home office costs 8 Reduce equipment energy costs 9 Reduce hot water costs 10 Save money with solar
14 | AUTUMN 2020 | SALISBURY AWARE | www.salisbury.sa.gov.au
To download a copy of this book visit: https://energysmartsaver.com.au/ Tips and tricks Did you know that the quickest way for South Australians to save money on their energy bill is to switch to a better deal? This involves a quick call to energy retailers to see who’ll offer you the best deal. To compare offers visit the EnergyMadeEasy.gov.au website or call them on 1300 585 165. Before you call, make sure that you have copies of your bills for the past year. If you’re not sure what questions to ask, download the 10-Step Guide which lists the key questions you should ask. Did you know that larger energy retailers in South Australia are required to help you save energy? Many South Australian households and small to medium businesses can receive free or discounted energy efficiency activities from energy retailers that participate in the Retailer Energy Efficiency Scheme (REES). Types of activities include installing energy efficient lighting, or installing water efficient shower heads which help to save water heating costs. To find out more visit: www. sa.gov.au/energy/rees. The scheme runs until 31 December 2020. The average household spends over $250 a year on standby power. The best way to stop that is to switch appliances off at the wall. How many times have you walked into a building and found that it is too hot or too cold? When it comes to wasting energy, it’s one of the most common mistakes people make. In summer, your thermostat should
