QUEENSLANDERS ALREADY SAVING MONEY IN CLIMATESMART HOMES

In just three weeks, the Bligh Government’s ClimateSmart Homes electricians have visited almost 2,500 Queensland homes – helping them save up to $250 a year on their energy and water bills.

The ClimateSmart Home Service, which officially began at the start of January and will employ over 100 electricians state-wide, is designed to help Queenslanders reduce their home’s carbon footprint.

Premier Anna Bligh visited the Belisle family at Paddington today, whose home was undergoing the energy audit.

"The response so far to the ClimateSmart Homes program has been incredible," Ms Bligh said.

"Almost 10,000 Queenslanders have already registered their homes for the service, and that number is growing by around 1,500 a week.

"Valued at $450 but available to Queenslanders for only $50, the service is a great way for families to save money and do their bit for the environment.

"A ClimateSmart Home Service can save your household up to $250 a year on water and energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint by up to 20.4 tonnes.

"And small changes around the home add up to make a big difference in Queensland – with 260,000 homes expected to receive the service over the next two years the savings add up to around $65 million and 5.3 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions every year," she said.

Ms Bligh said this would go a long way to achieving her Government’s Q2 target to reduce Queenslanders’ carbon footprint by a third by 2020.

Through the ClimateSmart Home Service, households receive:

• A home energy audit conducted by a licensed electrician and a customised plan on how to save energy and money;

• An energy monitor supplied and installed to show how much energy is being used throughout the day;
• A water efficient showerhead supplied and installed to reduce water consumption and significantly reduce the amount of water being heated by electricity; and
• Up to 15 free energy efficient compact fluorescent light globes like the ones given away in the Big Light Switch.

Queenslanders can register for the program by calling 13 20 40 (7am-7pm Monday to Saturday) or visiting the website at www.climatesmarthome.com.