Family avoids energy bills for 21 years after converting to energy efficient house

THE last time this Brunswick West man paid an electricity bill, John Howard was the newly-elected Prime Minister of Australia. Now he’s ready to share his secrets to help families save big on power bills.

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THE last time Stuart McQuire paid for an electricity bill, John Howard was the newly-elected Prime Minister of Australia.

Now, 21 years later, Mr McQuire said he wants to show others how his Brunswick West home has remained bill free despite surging power prices in Victoria.

“Even when we had a full family of two children and two adults living here, we managed to avoid having to pay anything,” he said.

“It all started when we got a 3.5kW solar system in 1996 installed on our roof, during summer we actually get a generous tariff to feed electricity into the grid.

“We’re still living with electricity, including airconditioning, so it is possible to have a normal life and cut your bills.”

Solar panels and other techniques have helped Stuart McQuire’s family cut their bill down to zero and even generate power back into the grid. Picture: Tony Gough

Mr McQuire is opening his home to the public on Sunday as part of Sustainable House Day, showcasing home ideas that are environmentally friendly and tackle rising power costs.

He said his family cut down on energy usage through buying televisions and other equipment that didn’t burn through power.

“It seems every time we’ve replaced an appliance we’ve chosen the most energy efficient version available,” he said.

“Other little touches like blocking up drafts, double-glazed windows and blinds to block out the heat all make a big difference.

“The price of solar panels came down in 2009 so we got a second system, now our energy surplus has become bigger.

“It’s possible to get a 5kW system somewhere near the $5000 mark, which is incredible since in 1996 3kW cost $20,000.

Stuart McQuire is holding an open house to display the home this weekend Picture: Tony Gough

Energy Efficiency Council’s policy head Rob Murray-Leach said efficient energy use was the fastest way to tackle soaring costs.

“There is a genuine risk of power shortages this summer,” he said.

“We don’t have time to build enough extra generation before then, which makes energy efficiency essential.

“The Energy Market Operator made it crystal clear — we need to catch up with the rest of the world and use energy efficiency to keep electricity secure and affordable.”

For more information see www.sustainablehouseday.com or visit Mr McQuire’s home from 10am to 4pm at 19 Murray St, Brunswick West