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Saving energy at home

Simple actions around your home can save money and help protect our environment.

Learn how you can reduce your power use and save money on your electricity bill, and find out about support networks to assist you with your home energy use so that you can be more sustainable.

Energy smart tips

You can reduce your energy consumption at home and save money on electricity bills by following these simple suggestions:

  • Wait for a full load in the dishwasher or washing machine before using.
  • Switch off lights in rooms that are not being used. This simple action can save you approximately $120 a year.
  • Switch off appliances at the wall to save standby power (and up to 11% of an average electricity bill).
  • Choose energy efficient whitegood and electrical appliances. You should use the energy rating label to guide your purchase.
  • Take shorter showers and replace electric hot water systems with solar hot water. Water heating can account for up to one-third of your household energy bill.
  • Consider getting rid of your second, almost empty, fridge.
  • Try and avoid using your clothes dryer as they are big energy consumers - use your clothesline instead.
  • Wash your clothes in cold water - you can save approximately $35 each year off your power bill.
  • Replace your lights with LED bulbs as these use the least amount of electricity.
  • Don't overheat. Ideally, you should keep rooms at a conformable 18-21 degrees in winter, as every one degree increase in temperature can increase the heating component of your power bill by up to ten per cent.

Energy rebates and incentives

There are a range of energy rebates and incentives that the NSW Government is offering to help reduce energy in your home and your electricity bills.

By accessing these rebates and discounts, you can cut back on your energy use, save on power bills and help the environment.

The NSW Government is trialing a new way to help people on low incomes reduce their electricity bills and provide them with access to affordable clean energy by offering free three kilowatt solar systems. The program aims to improve energy affordability by helping households unlock long term savings on their electricity bills.

To qualify for the Solar for Low Income Households Trial Program, Eurobodalla Shire homeowners must hold a valid pensioner concession card or Department of Veterans Affairs’ Gold Card and be in receipt of the Low Income Household Rebate.

Under the NSW Government's Emerging Energy Program, residents and businesses in the Eurobodalla region may be eligible to receive a point-of-sale discount of up to $4,950 for battery installation to pair with rooftop solar systems. The level of discount is based on the output of the inverter/battery system, eg, a ten kilowatt battery exporting up to five kilowatts would be eligible for a $4,950 discount.

You can contact the local supplier, solarhub, directly for more information and to apply.

Energy efficiency means using less energy to provide the same service or achieve the same result - it's about doing things smarter. From turning off appliances to using cold water in your washing machine, there are many simple things you can do to save energy in the home.

You may be able to benefit from a range of energy efficiency upgrades in your home such as replacing downlights with LEDs under the Energy Savings Scheme, The upgrades are performed by accredited businesses and they may also be able to provide discounted energy savings services or products.

You can access a range of energy rebates and discounts designed to improve energy efficiency in the home.

The NSW Government also offers discounts and incentives for businesses to reduce energy use and save on power bills. You can take advantage of many schemes which include subsidies for new appliances and equipment.

Solar panels

Solar panels provide a way of capturing sunlight and convert it into electricity. They reduce the amount of electricity you need from the grid, which lowers your energy costs.

The average household can save up to $900 per year by installing a four-kilowatt solar system on their roof.

In most cases, you can add solar panels to your home as exempt development, which means you don’t need approval from Council. Check the NSW Planning Portal for more information. However, it is important that you only use a licensed builder or electrician, and ensure you go to the NSW Government’s Fair Trading website for a checklist of things you need to consider when getting solar panels installed.

Solar battery systems

The NSW Government's Home Solar Battery Guide helps households make informed decisions for those considering buying and owning a battery system. The guide provides information covering topics such as: understanding your energy use; how a home power station works; will a battery save me money, and buying a solar battery - what to look out for.

More information and resources

We can help you

If you need more information about saving energy, please contact Council's Sustainability Coordinator, Heidi Thomson, on: