What steps Australians are turning to reduce energy costs

Simple changes, adopted by 85 per cent of Aussies, have helped to reduce one of the biggests costs in the home. See what you can do too.

When Cameron and Samantha Hobbs watch news reports about rising energy costs, they breathe a sigh of relief.

Eighteen months ago, the couple from Dee Why in Sydney’s northern beaches had solar panels installed through Smart Energy and they have more than halved their energy costs.

“The solar panels have helped us be more aware of the electricity we use and when we use it,” the dad to Marlise, three, and Theodore, 18 months, says. “For example, before solar panels, we’d put a load of washing on overnight and another one first thing in the morning, but now the best sunlight hours are early morning, so we use the washing machine then and it’s almost like we wash for free.

Cameron and Samantha Hobbs from Dee Why, with children Marlise, three, and Theodore, 18 months. They have halved their energy costs by installing solar panels.

“We pay about $200 to $250 a quarter for electricity during winter, compared to around $600 to $700 before we installed panels. In summer, we now only pay about $40 a quarter, which is basically just the supply charge.

“I know we now have to pay off the panels, but it won’t be long before we’re in the green and, compared to others, we have a lot less pressure on us when we hear energy bills will go up.”

The Hobbs family are not alone – 85 per cent of Aussies have made changes in the last year to reduce their energy costs, according to Canstar’s latest Consumer Pulse Report. Most do it by switching off lights regularly, switching off appliances at the wall, washing clothes in cold water, and reducing shower times.

Switching off appliances at the wall are one of the ways 85 per cent of Aussies are using to reduce energy costs.

“Energy costs are one of Australians’ top five financial worries in 2023, with good reason,” says Tara Donnelly, Canstar Blue’s Utilities Editor. “Our research found that the average annual cost of a market-offer electricity plan could go as high as $2564 in NSW this year, based on planned regulated price increases.”

Donnelly adds one of the best ways you can save this winter is to find out how much you’re paying and compare prices – more than 40 per cent of Aussies don’t know their electricity rate.

“Claim the bill concessions you’re eligible for in your state or territory, and look out for government rebates you can claim for making your home more energy efficient with new appliances, solar systems and insulation,” she says.

HOW CAN YOU SAVE ON ENERGY BILLS

Beau Savage of Smart Energy shares his top tips:

b Use a jumper or blanket before turning to a heater or electric blanket for warmth. “By adding just one layer, you can significantly reduce your energy costs since every additional degree the heater is set to means higher expenses.”

b Make use of your fireplace. “Fireplaces can be a cost-effective alternative to traditional heating methods and, today, they’re built to meet energy efficiency standards, which means that they use less fossil fuels, especially if you opt for burning wood, a renewable energy source with low carbon emissions.”

b Turn off appliances when not in use. “One of the most common culprits is leaving the TV and computer on standby mode, which can consume up to 10 per cent of the appliance’s energy usage.”

Solar panels are a good way to save on electricity bills.

b Turn to solar energy and batteries. “Smart Energy has found that Aussies spending $600 a quarter on electricity can save up to $40,450 in 10 years, and a whopping $266,120 in 20 years with solar power.”