Save energy, save money, save the environment

Householders could save hundreds of dollars by adopting a package of energy-efficient practices which have been identified as the most effective for their home.

Householders could save hundreds of dollars by adopting a package of energy-efficient practices which have been identified as the most effective for their home.

Energy Minister Francis Logan today released the 'Top Ten Energy Smart Tips' which have been developed to assist Western Australians to save energy, save money and save the environment.

"We wanted to identify the best measures that could be adopted to save energy around the home," Mr Logan said.

"We have measured the savings - both in terms of money and greenhouse gas emissions - and put together a list of the top 10 actions.

"Some of the actions are simple.  Others involve significant investment, but have obvious long-term benefits and savings.

"We need to be as smart with electricity as we have been wise with water.

"Average household water consumption for a Perth household has decreased from 337kl per year in 2000-01 to 282kl in 2006-07.  I think we can do even better with electricity."

The Minister said the fact that electricity prices were going to rise in 15 months time was the perfect opportunity for householders to consider reducing their energy use.

Mr Logan said increasing energy efficiency would become even more important with the introduction of an emissions trading scheme in the near future.

"The data I am releasing today shows that energy efficiency can be achieved by applying relatively simple energy-saving techniques," he said.

The Minister said householders could also monitor their energy consumption by using a new on-line service being introduced by Synergy.

The service provides customers with the ability to compare their energy use with previous months or years (going back 12 years) and assess their daily energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

"We all need to be mindful of our energy use and this service from Synergy allow us to monitor our energy use and the impact of implementing our various energy saving measures around the home, such as turning off appliances when not in use," Mr Logan said.

The Minister also released more details of the State Government's new $24.4million package to help households suffering 'utility hardship'.

Utility hardship refers to householders who have difficulty paying their electricity, gas or water bills.  There are about 5,000 households in WA in utility hardship.

Under the new program to be administered by the Department for Child Protection, those believed to be in financial difficulty will be referred to a non-Government organisation for financial counselling.

People deemed to be in utility hardship will be eligible for assistance to pay their utility debts.

 They will also be eligible for assistance from the Office of Energy for home energy audits, free compact fluorescent lights and low-flow shower heads and taps and weather proofing of their homes.

The top 10 list unveiled today is detailed below:

Potential cost saving *

Annual greenhouse gas emission saving

  1. When an old water heater breaks down, replace it with a gas boosted solar water heater.

  • Replacing an electric water heater

  • Replacing a gas water heater.

$503

$333

4,020kg

110kg

  1. Install ceiling insulation

$241

1,300kg

  1. Turn off the second fridge

$125

842kg

  1. Turn off appliances at the wall when not in use, saving standby power.

$112

754kg

  1. Use a ceiling fan as an effective cooling alternative, on most summer days.

$103

689kg

  1. Reduce the length of a shower from eight minutes to four minutes.
  • Electric water heater.
  • Gas water heater.

$90

$38

602kg

165kg

  1. Wash clothes in cold water instead of hot water.
  • Electric water heater.
  • Gas water heater.

$76

$31

520kg

142kg

  1. Turn off the home computer when not in use, or activate standby shutdown feature.

$67

446kg

  1. Replace four incandescent globes with four compact fluorescents in high-use areas

$49

328kg

  1. Choose an air-conditioner wisely.  When buying a reverse-cycle air-conditioner, ensure it is an energy efficient high-star rated model.  Evaporative air-conditioners have much lower greenhouse gas emissions than equivalent refrigerated air-conditioning systems.

$45

298kg

*Savings achieved can depend on current energy usage patterns in the home and will vary according to the mix of actions undertaken," Mr Logan said.

He said the list had been compiled by the State Government's Sustainable Energy Development Office (SEDO) based on national and international data.

More details on the Top Ten Energy Saving Tips are available from http://www.sedo.energy.wa.gov.au

Minister's office - 9222 8950