New, energy efficient appliances can help you save on your energy bills, and the environment will thank you too.

 

Taking a shorter hot shower can make a big difference. Keep a timer in the shower and get in the habit of setting it. Unless of course it’s summer and you have a solar hot water system with the booster switched off.

 

Go local and support WA! Local food is often fresher and tastier than food that’s travelled thousands of kilometres to reach your plate. It also generates less pollution and requires less energy.

 

Decrease your energy and water usage by running full laundry and dishwasher loads.

 

Help devices work at their most efficient levels – keep swimming pool filters, and dryer and washing machine lint filters clean. If you have a dryer – hey you’re in Perth not London try a natural breeze.

 

Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs or LEDs. Not only do they use less energy but they also last much longer than traditional light bulbs, resulting in less waste. Turn lights off when you leave a room.

 

Keep your heat or air-conditioning air from escaping by making sure you have good window and door seals. Air leakage can be a significant contributor to high energy costs.

 

Switch off and even unplug electrical devices when they’re not in use. This will help decrease energy used on a daily basis. This small change can make a big difference on your power bill.

 

If you frequently use a kettle to boil water consider keeping a thermos handy. Kettles are huge energy guzzlers.

 

An old second fridge, especially if left outside can consume a very high proportion of your power bill. You might save hundreds of dollars per year on this item alone.

 

The Australian Government is committed to developing programs and initiatives to support householders, industry and the community to save energy and reduce emissions. The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency’s A-Z of Government initiatives provides a comprehensive listing of climate change and energy efficiency programs and initiatives, here are some of them:

Energy efficiency

• Low Carbon Communities
• Living Greener – household information and advice line
• Energy Savings Initiative

Jobs and Industry Assistance

• Clean Energy Skills
• Coal mining assistance
• Energy Security Fund
• Jobs and Competitiveness program

Land Sector

• Carbon Farming Initiative
• Carbon Farming Initiative non-Kyoto carbon fund
• Indigenous Carbon Farming Fund
• Carbon Farming Skills

Other programs

• Climate Change Grant Program
• Green Loans and Green Start Programs
• Home Insulation Safety Plan
• National Solar Schools
• Renewable Energy Target
• Smart Grid, Smart City
• Solar Cities
• Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme – Solar Hot Water Rebate

Rebates and assistance are provided by the Australian Government and most State and Territory governments. To find out what assistance may be available in your location visit the Living Greener website.

 

The Australian Government’s comprehensive plan for securing a Clean Energy Future . The plan will cut pollution and drive investment, helping to ensure Australia can compete and remain prosperous in the future. 

 

The Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER) is a statutory authority established to oversee the implementation of the Large-scale Renewable Energy Target (LRET) and the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES).