Emma Pritchard
With the cost of living continuing to rise, a majority of households were delt a secondary blow following an announcement by the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) earlier this year stating electricity prices could increase by upwards of 20 percent from July 1.
As we head into winter, the Clarence Valley Independent decided to find out what measurements people are taking to reduce their electricity consumption, and if they have any suggestions to help others keep their power bills down as the mercury continues to fall…
Wendy Richardson: I’m afraid to turn my heater on this year because I don’t want to be faced with another expensive power bill. Last year, my power bill jumped by around $250 during the winter months, which was outrageous. Now I make sure I wear extra warm clothes, and if I still feel cold, I wrap a thick blanket around me, or I’ll go outside and sit in the sun. I also limit how long I spend under the shower, and I never use any electrical appliance I don’t need to. I don’t even watch the TV that much anymore; I use a battery-operated transistor radio instead to keep myself entertained.
Jessica Blaikie: I always make sure appliances in my house aren’t turned on when they’re not in use. I also use energy efficient LED lightbulbs and limit how long my kids and I spend under the shower each day. I also encourage my kids to play outside a lot instead of using the computer or the iPad. With all the price hikes, I’m trying anything and everything I can to save money.
John Torrens: My wife and I recently got rid of our second freezer and our dryer in an effort to reduce our electricity bill. Even though we receive the pensioner discount, which does help, we still look to save as much as we can wherever we can.
Gurinder Mehrotra: I think more people need to think smarter when it comes to being mindful of how much their electricity bills are. My advice is if you have any electrical appliances you don’t need or use, just get rid of them. And if you do need to use any appliances, set a time limit on when and how long they operate for. It is also a good idea to shop around and see which electricity provider can offer you the best deal which suits your needs and your budget.