Shire homes praised for neutral action on electricity

HOUSEHOLDS in the Surf Coast Shire are among the best in the state for thinking green with their electricity, according to analysis from EnergyAustralia.

The energy supplier says postcode data shows Surf Coast Shire residents switched to carbon neutral electricity at the 10th highest rate in Victoria.

Customers who sign up to the scheme have the carbon emissions from the electricity supplied to their home offset at no cost.

“Together the residents of Surf Coast Shire have led the move to carbon neutral electricity over the summer of 2018/2019, and that’s something worth celebrating,” EnergyAustralia chief customer officer Chris Ryan said.

“We launched Go Neutral in response to feedback that customers wanted to do their part to help the environment, but it had to be costeffective.

Surf Coast Shire residents have taken to the program and exceeded all our expectations.

There’s a lot they have to be proud about.

EnergyAustralia aims to have one million Australian homes switching to the Go Neutral carbon-neutral electricity movement by 2020, saying that the greater the number of opt-ins, the more funds EnergyAustralia can put toward climate
action projects such as bushfire management in Australia’s outback, native forest regrowth and renewable projects in developing countries.

Mr Ryan said the extremely hot weather should not discourage customers from keeping cool.

“There are things households can do to take the heat out of summer while avoiding bill shock.”

He offered five tips for cost-effective air conditioner use:
• Newer models like inverter units have better refrigerants and improved technology. New air conditioners are more energy-efficient than older models; for example, an air conditioner that is 10-15 years old can be up to 40 per cent more expensive to run
• Don’t try to cool the entire house, focus on the few rooms you’re occupying by closing doors
• If an older air conditioner has not had regular cleaning and servicing, that will also reduce its efficiency, further increasing running costs.

Try for every three years on average. Also make sure the filters are clean to keep it operating at maximum efficiency
• Replacement of a very old unit with a new, highefficiency model could pay for itself within 4-5 years. Newer reverse cycle air conditioners also provide cost-effective heating in winter, so investing in a new model can reduce running costs year-round, and
• Know the type of tariff you are on; your retailer can tell you. Depending on your plan, certain times of the day may be less expensive to cool the home than others.