Consumers can avoid power price hikes

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) has responded to reports that electricity retailers say residential prices are likely to keep rising after a number of increases in recent months by saying that consumers can avoid paying more for their power by using it more efficiently.

EECA Chief Executive Heather Staley says there are some simple habits New Zealanders could adopt as part of everyday life that will mean they are better off financially.

"The easiest habit to get into at home is to get rid of the red vampire lights on appliances that suck power when left on standby. Saving 5% of your power bill is as easy as getting into the habit of turning appliances such as the washing machine, dryer, stereo, microwave and TV off at the wall when not in use.

"Another easy habit is to simply turn off lights when you leave the room, and when bulbs need to be replaced, purchase long lasting energy efficient compact fluorescent lightbulbs. Energy efficient lightbulbs have improved significantly over the last year or so, with the price coming down and the size reducing to that of ordinary lightbulbs.

"The biggest energy consumers in a home are water heating, followed by space heating, appliances then lighting. While most consumers probably don't even notice their hot water cylinder, it could be responsible for wasting more than 10% of their power bill. If a hot water cylinder is warm to touch it is wasting power, and money. Putting a wrap on the cylinder will help prevent the waste," Ms Staley said.

Ms Staley says using energy efficiently doesn't affect comfort or lifestyle but the little things can make a big difference to how much consumers pay their power company every month.

Ms Staley says EECA is implementing the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Strategy through improving energy choices. To find out how to save energy at home, at work and on the road visit www.energywise.org.nz

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