If you live in NSW, your electricity bill is going to go up by around 20% from the beginning of July. So now, more than ever (even if you don’t live in NSW), you should be thinking of ways to reduce your energy use. Here are a few that I recommend:
- Use energy saving light bulbs
These are significantly cheaper to run than your old incandescent bulb, and many businesses are giving them away, with some even coming around to install them for you for free too, because they get carbon credits which they can then use to either offset their own emissions or sell to others who need them. The only down side to tis kind of bulb is that they can take a little while to warm up, meaning that they won’t reach their full brightness immediately. But they last much longer than incandescent bulbs too, meaning you’ll save even more in the long run. (When I moved house, I took all my energy bulbs with me… am I the ultimate cheapskate or what!) - Turn off devices at the power point
These days, convenience means we never turn things off. Our electronic gadgets and appliances are always in “standby mode” awaiting our beck and call, which means that they are still consuming energy, and by some accounts may be responsible for as much as 10% of your total energy bill. My parents do this as a habit. Me, I’m too lazy (plus my PC is busy helping to save the world, electricity bills be damned :-)
Ultimately, the best way to reduce the cost of electricity is to use less of it. Turn off lights when you’re not in the room, and think twice about buying that big plasma TV – yes, I still have my chunky old 68cm Sony.
Lastly, you could also consider using natural gas if it’s available in your home, but that’s another post for another day. Make sure you don’t miss it by subscribing to THRIFTerrific!