Simple energy savings can help with your New Year power usage

Published Friday, 03 January, 2014 at 06:00 AM

Minister for Energy and Water Supply
The Honourable Mark McArdle

Switching appliances off at the wall, installing energy-efficient light bulbs and switching the pool pump to an off peak tariff are among the simple tips Queenslanders can use to save energy around the home over the festive season.

Minister for Energy and Water Supply Mark McArdle said household energy use can increase during the holiday period so it is timely to consider energy efficiency around the home.

“The festive season is a wonderful time of year when we relax at home with family and friends to celebrate,” he said.

“Everyone is at home and electrical appliances like plasma televisions, household air conditioning, swimming pools, sound systems, bar fridges and computers all get a real work out.

“Every home is different but air-conditioning, refrigeration and swimming pool pumps can account for more than 75 per cent of a household’s electricity consumption. Even leaving appliances on in ‘standby mode’ can contribute up to 10 per cent to your power consumption.”

Mr McArdle said the Newman Government is committed to easing cost-of-living pressures, releasing the following tips to save over the next few months.

• Set air-conditioners to 24 degrees or use ceiling fans instead;
• Close curtains during the day to reduce the indoor temperature and open curtains and windows at night;
• switch appliances off at the wall to cut out standby power;
• switch off second fridges when not needed;
• use a low-flow showerhead to save hot water and energy;
• hang clothes out to dry rather than using a clothes dryer;
• install energy-efficient light bulbs.

Mr McArdle said the family pool is another area where energy savings can be made.

“You can save energy and money by switching your pool pump to the off-peak tariffs, Tariff 31 or Tariff 33, or by installing an energy-efficient pump which can save around $300 a year on your pool running costs,” he said.

“Reducing the running time for your pool filter by just one hour a day could also save you up to $100 a year.”

For more information about saving energy at home visit www.dews.qld.gov.au or call 13 43 87.

[ENDS] 3 January 2014

Media Contact: Natalie Wynne 0437 334 183