Australian households can plug into electricity cuts

SURGING power prices have been increasing the financial pressure on households, and worse is still to come.

Prices have climbed about 30 per cent over the past four years, according to a report by Rod Sims, a Multi-Party Climate Change Committee table lamps adviser."While electricity prices have traditionally increased by less than household income, this has recently changed with significant effects on low-income earners," it says.

We can't offset all the price rises, but a few small changes can add up to big reductions in our annual power bills.

"You don't have to be an environmental scientist to save energy," says Origin Energy's efficiency advocate, Anne Armansin. "Look for signs that you may be using more energy than you need. Leaving lights on in unused rooms, soaring energy bills and wearing shorts in the middle of winter are probably real giveaways."

Here are 10 ways to help cut your household power costs.

1. LIGHTS OUT

Turning off unnecessary lights is a no-brainer, but replacing old bulbs with energy efficient ones can also save you money.

"The average household replacing six 75 watt table lamps incandescent bulbs with 15 watt compact fluorescent lamps could save about $100 a year in running costs," Armansin says.

2. IN THE LAUNDRY

Using a clothes dryer costs about $1 a load, so if you a regular user the cost will quickly add up.

Armansin says upgrading laundry appliances can help.

"Front loading washing machines use around 60 per cent less water and energy than top loaders," she says.

"Switch to a sensor dryer that turns off automatically when the load is dry."

3. STANDING BY

Solar Shop Australia general manager Daniel Edgecombe says about 5 per cent of the nation's household energy is wasted on standby power.

"Consider using a power board with a remote off switch," he says.

"For example, a television, stereo and DVD player plugged into a power board with a remote switch can be turned off at once, eliminating any unnecessary standby power use."

Cutting standby power can save an average household $180 a year.