By Evolution Solar Sunshine Coast

IF electricity wasn’t already too expensive, every year we seem to be hit with another price increase, another tax, another levy or another fee of some kind. We may not be able to totally compensate for that, but the good news is that we can do something to help…and the best part is, it won’t cost you an arm and a leg to do them.

Here is a list of a few of the things you can do to decrease your electricity bills.

1. Problem: – Cost of electricity. How much are you paying for electricity? Check that a competing power company is not offering cheaper rates than you are paying your current electricity supplier.

Solution: – Call your electricity retailer. Jump online and check the rates or give a few power companies a quick call. If you do find a company that is cheaper, call your current electricity company and get a price match or change companies. (If you already have solar power and have the 44c feed-in tariff, make sure you will not lose your feed-in tariff before any changes are made to your account. Preferably get it in writing that you will retain your 44c feed-in tariff.)

2. Problem: – Energy-sucking lights. Check the light bulbs that you use in your home each night.

Solution: – Install energy saving light bulbs. Energy saving bulbs such as LED lighting save up to 80% compared to standard bulbs and can last up to 6 times longer. They can be more expensive to purchase initially but they will save you much more money in the long run.

3. Problem: – Pool pumps can be expensive. Pools can be hard to maintain. They can cost quite a lot of money if the pool pump is running all the time and is inefficient. The water at certain times in the year is too cold so therefore it is not used and that money is then wasted.

Solution: – Check your pool pump, tariff and consider heating options. An energy saving pool pump can save you $400-$800 a year! Some of the older, inefficient pool pumps run all day, at the highest speed. Now you can get pool pumps that have a soft start, once the pump is primed, the pump automatically slows to an energy saving rate and saves 50%-80% of energy consumption. Depending on your situation, you can change you pool tariff to be on either tariff 11, 31 or 33. (Those with solar may want to leave it on tariff 11 if claiming the 8c feed-in tariff or those claiming the 44c feed in tariff or without solar may prefer to change to a cheaper, off-peak tariff.) Pool blankets or covers can help keep the pool clean and stop evaporation. For all year round use, solar pool heating is the most efficient way to heat your pool.

These are just some of the ways that you can compensate for rising electricity bills. However, installing a solar power system is the only way to eliminate or drastically reduce your power bill. It is important to take advantage of the above tips even if you do have a solar system. They will help you get the most out of your system and reduce your carbon footprint.