Geelong region’s electricity consumption by postcode revealed

Sparsely-populated rural postcodes across Geelong and the Surf Coast recorded higher average electricity consumption in 2020 than their suburban counterparts, and we all used more power, new data has revealed.

Geelong and Surf Coast rural suburbs have recorded the highest annual residential electricity consumption in 2020, despite servicing the least amount of people.

According to Powercor energy usage datathe 3221 postcode, which encompasses Barrabool, Gnarwarre and Ceres had the highest average annual residential customer energy consumption in 2020.

The area, which services 396 customers, recorded an average of 10489 kilowatt-hours for household annual consumption last year.

The data also shows that households across Greater Geelong and the Surf Coast used more electricity in 2020 than in 2019.

A Powercor spokeswoman said the trend is reflective of what was seen more broadly across its network.

“As more people worked and studied form home due to COVID-19 restrictions, there was a shift in how people used electricity,” she said.

“Homes in the Powercor network used at least 13 per cent more power last year than the previous year.”

Little River recorded the second highest consumption, averaging 8870kWh per year per household across its 568 customers.

The higher energy consumption in rural areas could be due to households not having access to gas, and therefore having a greater reliance on using electricity for hot water systems and the like, according to Powercor.

The 3225 postcode – servicing the Point Lonsdale and Queenscliff – had the lowest energy consumption per household, with just 2788kWh per year on average across its 4252 customers — which could be explained by a higher proportion of holiday homes.

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The 3217 postcode, which includes Armstrong Creek, Charlemont and Mount Duneed, closely followed averaging 2896kWh across its 6873 customers.

Powercor has partnered with the Australian Energy Foundation to provide free 20-minute phone consultations to help people become more efficient and save money this summer.

The free consultations with an AEF’s energy expert provide tailored advice on ways to make customers’ homes and business more efficient.

HIGHEST AVERAGE ANNUAL RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN 2020

1. 3221 (Barrabool, Gnarwarre, Ceres) – 396 customers / 10489kWh

2. 3211 (Little River) – 568 customers / 8870kWh

3. 3240 (Buckley, Gherang, Modewarre, Moriac, Mount Moriac, Paraparap) 928 customers / 7733 kWh

4. 3235 (Deans Marsh, Benwerrin, Boonah, Pennyroyal) – 284 customers / 5873 kWh

5. 3241 (Bambra, Wensleydale, Winchelsea, Wurdiboluc) – 1639 customers / 5693 kWh

LOWEST AVERAGE ANNUAL RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN 2020

1. 3225 (Point Lonsdale, Queenscliff, Swan Bay) – 4252 customers / 2788 kWh

2. 3217 (Armstrong Creek, Charlemont, Freshwater Creek, Mount Duneed) – 6873 customers / 2896 kWh

3. 3223 (Bellarine, Portarlington, Indented Head, St Leonards) – 7822 customers / 3034 kWh

4. 3226 (Ocean Grove) – 9195 customers / 3409 kWh

5. 3219 (Breakwater, East Geelong, Newcomb, St Albans Park, Thomson, Whittington) – 10481 customers / 3350 kWh

5 TIPS FOR BEING MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT

1. Set your air conditioner to around 24 to 26 degrees – depending on the size of your unit, a one degree change can save 10 per cent on cooling costs

2. Turn off appliances at the plug when you’re not using them – standby power can account for more than three per cent of your energy bill

3. Keep rooms shaded from the sun and heat with curtains or blinds

4. Use dishwashers or washing machines in the morning or at off-peak times in the evening

5. Air dry laundry rather than use clothes dryers

Originally published as Geelong region’s electricity consumption by postcode revealed