Did you know that South Australia has some of the highest energy bills in the whole country? That said, there's no reason you should pay through the roof for power. Here's a rundown of what you're paying for and how to reduce your power bill.

Electricity Usage

First, let's be clear about one thing: the bulk of your power bill comes from electricity usage.

Think about it. Whether you boil the kettle or watch tv, you're using electricity, so this shouldn't be surprising. What's good about this, though, is that you're in control of your power consumption. So to help you decide where you can cut costs, here's a breakdown of the average power bill in Adelaide.

Electricity Costs

In South Australia, the average electricity bill is roughly $1759 per year. Adelaide residents, however, pay slightly less on average. Most pay somewhere around $1455 per annum, though this depends on electricity usage and provider rates.

The average bill is made up of two parts:

• *  Electricity supply rates: this is the charge you pay just for connecting to the power grid.

• *  Power usage rates: you have the most control over this portion because it all depends on your actual consumption, your power contract, and your electricity meter.

Tips for Reducing Your Bills

To be clear, the average bill for South Australians is still pretty high. To make sure you're paying less than average for your power bill, here are six steps to take.

Change Your Appliances

Modern appliances usually have high energy ratings, which makes them cheaper to run. Upgrade white goods like your dishwasher and washing machine if you can.

Make Your Appliances More Efficient

If you can't switch appliances, make your existing ones more efficient. Turn the power down a little on the air conditioning, and see if you can drop the temperature in the fridge slightly.

Run Cold Washes

Did you know that cold water is great for washing laundry? You don't need to wash at 60 Celsius. Unless it's a heavily soiled load, opt for 30 or lower instead.

Shop Around for a Better Deal

Don't assume you're on the best energy tariff. Instead, check out the going rates on price comparison websites and switch providers if necessary. Aim to do this once a year or so.

Insulate Your Home

Don't have the money for expensive insulation? It doesn't matter. Just keeping windows and doors shut, and drawing the curtains in the winter can preserve heat.

Take Faster Showers

Even if you cut your average shower by a minute, you'll save some money on your annual electricity bill. The whole family can try this.

Conclusion

Our top tip for cutting your power bill? Simply use less energy. By making small changes around the home, you'll reduce your energy consumption in the long run. And if you have more money to spend, switch your appliances to more energy-efficient models.

For even more help with cutting your electric usage costs, contact us today.