Local tips to help you save on power bills

Hannah BakerWITH budgets tightened around the Fraser Coast thanks to soaring power costs, the Chronicle enlisted saving tips from local experts.

WITH budgets tightened around the Fraser Coast thanks to soaring power costs, the Chronicle enlisted saving tips from local experts.

Maryborough electrician Jade Fluerty said the easiest actions were often the best.

Turning appliances off at the wall could result in a visible power bill difference, he said.

"With today's energy prices, you need to try ways to keep costs down including not letting appliances remain on standby," he said.

One of the biggest energy guzzlers is the fridge and checking seal quality is an important first step in ensuring a lower bill.

The family television was also rated as a top user.

Mr Fluerty said ways to reduce power bills by using alternative energy exist.

"Don't be fooled into buying a 1kW photovoltaic system when installing solar panels," Mr Fluerty said.

"These systems only produce enough energy to boil a jug of water, so instead invest in a 4 kW PV system."

Mr Fluerty said many people had mistakenly invested in 1kW PV systems through various solar rebate schemes offered by Federal Government and that the technology was still developing.

"When solar power first came out five years ago inverters were blowing up all the time," he said.

"I'd probably wait another five years until better solar panel technology hits the market, as by then it should be more reliable."

Maryborough Eco Queenslander owner Cecile Espigole however stands by her 1.5kW PV system as the perfect way to remain carbon neutral.

"I haven't paid a bill since I installed my system and all the electricity produced goes back to the grid," she said.

"We are the Sunshine State so we might as well make use if it."

Ms Espigole said her Eco Queensland unit produced more energy than was used and the offsets helped her save money.

Originally published as Local tips to help you save on power bills