Anglicare offers top tips on energy use to beat price rise

The winter chill makes most people crank up the heater and crave long, hot showers but with rising electricity prices it may be time to look at how to save on energy consumption.

Last week, Treasurer Troy Buswell announced electricity prices would increase by 4 per cent, or $58 a year, on July 1.

It was an increase he deemed a “sensible measure” to provide certainty for the State economy.

According to Anglicare WA regional manager south Angela Hellewell, an increase of any measure would put a strain on families and the elderly.

“We already know people on the age pension don’t use heating in winter — which is fine if they have alternative ways to keep warm but if they haven’t it just shifts the cost to our health care system because they end up sick,” she said.

Anglicare WA Home Energy Saver scheme co-ordinator Rob Gulley said the first place residents should look when trying to reduce electricity cost was water heating. “It might not mean that they use less water itself but turn its temperature down so that there is less energy wastage,” he said.

“Washing clothes in cold water is also a big saver of electricity.”

Mr Gulley said coming into winter people could save 4 per cent on the electricity bill by reducing use of the reverse-cycle air-conditioner.

“It really is all about heating and cooling,” he said.

“Close off the doors and manage your curtains.

“At this time of year a lot of heat will flow in and out of uncurtained windows so get the windows covered.”

Mr Gulley said it was important to remember you could also reduce your perceived need for heating by eating warm food, drinking warm drinks, wearing more clothing and rugging up on the couch with a blanket.

Anglicare also offers the Home Energy Saver scheme to families needing assistance and support to meet their energy costs.

For more information call 9528 0730.