Energy savings tips for households and businesses

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said that Queensland was on the front foot in promoting environmentally sustainable energy solutions.

The Minister told State Parliament this week of a range of initiatives that households and businesses could adopt to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“Energy conservation, that is using less energy to achieve the same standards of service, reduces greenhouse gas emissions and saves money,” Mr Wilson said.

“Just a five per cent reduction in household and business electricity consumption in Queensland over ten years will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 14 million tonnes," he said.

The State Government is promoting easy, practical tips for energy conservation by households under its EnergyWise and ClimateSmart Living campaigns.

Tips range from switching off second fridges until they’re really needed, to installing compact fluorescent light bulbs.

Later this year, the State Government will make available free energy audit tool kits to help households find ways to save energy and save money.

This will include access to appliance meters to measure the energy use of home appliances.

Minister Wilson said energy-savings were an important part of the Beattie Government’s $1.3 billion ClimateSmart 2050 policy.

“There’s our $50 million Smart Energy Savings Program, which will require larger businesses to undertake energy conservation audits and bring on energy-saving measures with a three-year or shorter, pay-back period.

“This is backed up by our $50 million Energy Savings Fund. The fund offers financial help for small and medium businesses to introduce energy conservation measures.

“Households in remote areas will benefit from a $7 million program of rebates to help them install energy-efficient appliances, such as greenhouse friendly hot water systems.

In three year’s time, the State Government will start to phase out electric hot water systems and all new commercial buildings in Queensland will have to have a minimum four-star energy efficiency rating.

“This is about keeping energy costs down and a clean energy future for Queensland. We owe it to our future generations to act now,” Mr Wilson said.

“We’re virtually doubling renewable and low emission technology targets to ten per cent by 2020. What we’re doing is cutting edge. If we act now, we’ll be able to have a gradual transition to a cleaner energy future,” he said.

“Energy conservation strategies can start now and save money in the long term. We can get the balance right, but we need to start now,” he said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819