Heatwaves to continue baking Australia… and electricity bills

An Australian energy expert said a new report predicting record breaking temperatures will be summer’s norm will also significantly impact consumer’s power bills.

Paul Graham, from Empyreal Energy, said summers grow hotter, the more people will rely on air conditioners and pools to stay cool.

“What many people don’t know, at least not until it is too late, that using these appliances can have a significant impact on their electricity bill.

“So much so that many people are struggling to pay off their quarterly bills, especially after the summer we have all endured.”

Mr Graham said the Climate Council’s ‘Angry Summer’ report reveals Australia is going to get hotter.

“Over the last 15 years Australia has sweltered through eight of the hottest summers,” he said.

“The 2013/14 summer over 150 temperature records were broken. There were towns that almost hit 50 degrees,” he said.

“How do we cope? Demands on the grid are increasing and electricity prices continue to go up and up.”

Mr Graham said people will have tough choices to make.

“Staying cool, particularly for the elderly and young is important, but the catch is where do you find the money to pay bills that are $500, $1,000 or even $1,500 a quarter if you choose to use your air conditioner?

“Most families are struggling as it is. If you elect to stay cool, you are adding at least 20% more to a bill that has probably increased over 20% in the past 12 months.”

Air conditioners, pool pumps and hot water systems suck enormous amounts of power during peak times.

“This translates into bigger bills because peak times are a lot higher than off-peak. The increasing electricity prices are squeezing many,” Paul said.

About 70 per cent of households have air conditioners, which use 700 watts of energy an hour compared to a ceiling fan which uses 65 watts.

Mr Rogers, from Stannifer (NSW), said he pays $108 a fortnight for electricity ($648 per quarter). “That’s out of our pension; it does not leave much,” he said.

“My wife and I went to a solar power information seminar. It came at the right time for us, it gave us the facts and information we needed to take control of our power usage.”

Paul said there is renewed interest in installing solar panels.

“Solar power is a great way to save, but before purchasing people should have a home usage assessment done,” he said.

“If you have a small house, there is no need to cover the roof, spending money on something you do not need.”

10 tips to reduce your power bill

1.    If you are using high energy appliances (pool filters and air cons) use during off-peak times

2.    Get an electrician out to review your appliances

3.    Go solar – but make sure you don’t overspend (in many cases you don’t need to cover your roof) – have a home assessment done.

4.    Upgrade your pool pump to an energy efficient one and use a pool cover

5.    Keep your air con on 25 degrees or 18 degrees in winter

6.    If you have a second fridge – turn it off

7.    Change your light bulbs to LEDs or open your blinds – let the natural light in

8.    Solar heat the pool and hot water 

9.    Hand wash the dishes – give the dishwasher the night off

10.Switch appliances off when you are not using them

Empyreal Energy hosts free solar information seminars throughout regional centres.  For more information, call 1800 822 653.