Here Are Few Ways You Can...

While there’s no arguing that our day-to-day living has become more tech-focused. With almost every basic amenity now coming with some form of smart feature, that means we have more and more electronics plugged in at any given time. While we all enjoy the convenience this tech provides, the same can’t be said for the surge in our electricity bills that comes from all of these devices.

Here are a few simple ways you can reduce your energy use, which will have the added benefit of lowering your electricity bill.

Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs

Energy-efficient light bulbs can be up to 85 per cent more efficient than regular lightbulbs, and while they cost marginally more (by only a few dollars), the long-term cost and energy-saving are worth it. LED globes will also last between 5 and 10 times longer than older halogen globes, meaning you don’t have to replace them as often.

This handy guide from the Australian Government’s Energy Rating website should give you a better idea about the long-term saving associated with energy-efficient globes.

Turn off lights in the rooms you aren’t using

This one might seem obvious, but when you’re distracted or busy, it’s hard to remember if you’ve switched off all the lights that aren’t in use around you. If you’re working in a home office, you don’t need the kitchen light on, even if you’re frequenting your cupboard for snacks. Likewise, if you’re snacking in the kitchen, you can easily switch the lights off in your office.

This includes any outdoor lighting that you may not think about. If you’re tucked in bed and the porch light is going unnecessarily, make the extra effort to go out and switch it off before drifting off to sleep.

Don’t leave your devices on standby

Home PCs and gaming consoles often have a secondary ‘standby’ mode that allows them to turn on at a moment’s notice. For gamers, this means they can immediately relaunch a game and pick up where they left off. While this mode is convenient and usually low power, long-term use can still chew through significant energy usage.

Setting these devices to ‘off’ mode will help you reduce your overall power usage and conserve energy, at minimal cost to your convenience.

Switch off your idle ‘vampire’ devices at the source

This is another technique for electronic devices with infrequent use. Otherwise known as ‘vampire power’, some devices tend to steal energy even when it’s not needed. Rather than simply turning them off, you might like to completely unplug devices that you aren’t likely to use right away. This removes the possibility of them sapping unnecessary power.

Take up a new hobby

If you tend to spend long hours using your laptop, computer or TV to watch Netflix or game, it’s time to change up your habits. In the next few weeks, consider picking up a book, or taking up drawing. A new hobby doesn’t have to take up your life, but an hour or two spent reading, rather than using your laptop, can reduce your energy usage significantly, and lend you a good little distraction.

Other hobbies with minimal power usage include: knitting, painting, learning a musical instrument, playing board games or my personal favourite hobby, sleeping.

Any of these tips will help to reduce your power usage and ease the burden on Australia’s currently unstable energy supply.

Another way to save on electricity costs is to make sure you’re not overpaying with your current provider. The best way to do this is to compare your current costs to other providers in your area. We’ve partnered with a powerful comparison tool called eConnex to help make this process fast and easy. You can even use your most current electricity bill details to get an accurate comparison. Enter your postcode in the box below to get started.

Currently available in ddd, ACT, SA, VIC, parts of QLD, TAS & WA (only Gas).Not available in Ergon Area (QLD), NT and embedded networks or non-quotable meters.