Power to save. Helpful tips for lower bills - actewagl.com.au/save-energy
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Power to save. Helpful tips for lower bills. actewagl.com.au/save-energy
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Understanding your energy bill 1
Knowing what makes up your bill will help you understand
your energy usage—and discover potential savings.
The components of your 2020–21 2
ACT electricity price
Our chart explains the elements that make up your
ACT residential electricity price—there’s more to it
than you may think.
Your energy bill checklist 3
Identify factors which may be contributing to a
higher-than-usual energy bill.
Track your energy use 5
Upgrade your electricity meter to make informed
choices about how and when you use your appliances.
The home energy you get for $4 7
For the cost of a takeaway coffee, you can energise
your home for the day (and more).
Tips to reduce your energy bills 9
Simple tips to waste less and save more.
Appliance upgrade offers 11
Say goodbye to power-hungry appliances.
Access support 12
From short-term support to an ongoing arrangement,
we have a range of programs to assist you through life’s
ups and downs.
ii iiiUnderstanding The components
your energy bill of your 2020–21 ACT
Knowing what makes up your bill will help you understand your energy
usage—and discover potential savings.
electricity price*
Your bill contains important information about your energy account, usage, charges and discounts.
This chart explains the elements that make up your ACT residential
PAGE ONE electricity price.
• Your account details (account number, address, payment amount and due date) are at the
top of the page.
• If your bill was calculated based on an estimated meter reading, you’ll see this information next.
• The account summary section includes information about your current and previous bill,
including any adjustments.
• Below you'll find any savings you've made on the account.
34.2% 33.5%
• Read over the banner at the bottom of the page, which may be promoting new ActewAGL Wholesale Network costs
discounted plans, products or services. electricity To operate, maintain
The cost to buy and upgrade the
electricity. electricity grid.
PAGE TWO
• The graph shows your average daily energy consumption for the last five months.
• You may have another graph comparing your average daily consumption with other households
in the area. For more comparisons visit energymadeasy.gov.au
• Below you’ll find a breakdown of your charges and the ways you can pay your bill.
PAGE THREE
• Page two or three may contain any credits, rebates, discounts, adjustments and previous payments.
10.9%
1.7% ACT Government
Fees, energy schemes
POWER TO CHOOSE losses, and Costs to meet the
Are you on the best energy plan for you? Compare our bestselling plans at contracting ACT Government’s
costs renewable energy
actewagl.com.au/plans target plus taxes
and levies.
PAY YOUR WAY 12%
Retail services
7.7%
Stay on top of your bills and better manage your budget with our convenient direct debit National green
Operating costs, the Energy
payment options. With EvenPay, the cost of your annual energy bill is smoothed over smaller, Efficiency Improvement Scheme schemes
predictable payments. Think of it as an easy, regular payment plan. You’ll always know how and the Australian Energy Market The Federal Government
Commission’s Power of Choice renewable energy target.
much you need to pay, and when. Set up your direct debit at my.actewagl.com.au
(metering) costs.
BILL HELPLINE 13 12 93 *Based on cost elements from the Independent Competition and Regulatory Commission’s final decision on 2020–21 prices.
Connect with a local energy expert 8am–6pm, Monday–Friday.
1 2
2Your energy
bill checklist
Use this checklist to identify factors which may be contributing to a
higher-than-usual energy bill.
Which of your energy bills seems higher than usual—electricity or gas?
IS IT SEASONAL? DO YOU HAVE ANY OUTSTANDING
COSTS ON YOUR ENERGY ACCOUNT?
• The capital region’s legendary seasons
could be contributing to an increase • If you didn’t pay your previous bill in full,
in your heating, cooling, hot water and the remaining amount would have been
clothes dryer use. added to your current bill. If so, you’ll
see it as an extra charge on page one.
• Compare your energy use to the same
period last year. Check by logging in to
your account at my.actewagl.com.au DID YOUR ENERGY PLAN CHANGE?
• If you were previously on a discounted
WHO’S HOME? plan, the benefit term may have expired.
• If you’ve been working from home, had • Compare our latest discounted plans
visitors staying or been spending time and select a new one that works
inside with a new baby, you may see a for you at actewagl.com.au/plans
spike in your energy consumption.
• If you were on holidays during the ARE YOUR ELIGIBLE FOR A
previous billing period, your new bill CONCESSION REBATE?
may appear higher.
• Check that your card information is
up to date on your account at
IS IT TIME FOR AN APPLIANCE CHECK? my.actewagl.com.au
• Old appliances can have low energy BE ENERGY AWARE
ratings and require more power to run.
IS YOUR METER READING CORRECT?
• Similarly, if you’ve noticed your appliances Follow these simple steps to better understand how and when you use the
• If you have an old or faulty meter, organise
are running inconsistently or making
for a meter upgrade so your usage is
most power in your home:
strange noises, they may not be running
accurately recorded. Find out more about
efficiently.
the benefits of a new meter on page 5. 1. Take a reading of your meter at the same time each day for at least a week.
• Take time to check your appliances for 2. Record which appliances you used each day.
• To avoid an estimated meter reading and
obvious issues, such leaking hot water
ensure you’re billed correctly, you can
systems or loose seals on your fridge
send us a photo of your meter and we’ll 3. At the end of the week, analyse your findings to understand which appliances may
doors. be using the most energy in your home.
adjust your bill accordingly. Find out how
• Consider whether you’ve recently bought at actewagl.com.au/meterselfread
4. Borrow a ‘do-it-yourself’ Actsmart Home Energy Action Kit from an ACT library to
new appliances that are now adding to
• You can also get ahead of your upcoming bill conduct an audit of your energy consumption.
your regular energy consumption.
with a bill estimate at my.actewagl.com.au
3 4Track your
energy use
Upgrade your electricity meter to make informed choices about how and
when you use your appliances—and unlock potential savings.
A new meter will record your actual usage at regular intervals throughout the day, putting you in control.
Currently there are no upfront charges to have a new meter installed. However if any additional work
is needed onsite before the installation can be finalised, we’ll let you know if there will be extra costs.
NEW METER MEANS MORE BENEFITS GETTING VALUE FROM A
• Track your daily electricity usage at TIME-OF-USE PLAN
my.actewagl.com.au anytime, without The cost of electricity is highest during peak
waiting for your next bill (allow up to periods and cheapest during off-peak periods.
48 hours for recent usage information You can save money by changing your habits
to be available). and aiming to use your appliances during
• New meters are digital and can be read shoulder and off-peak periods throughout the
remotely. Currently, most homes and day (this is known as time-shifting).
small businesses have traditional
• By time-shifting appliances such as your
analogue meters, which require a visit
dishwasher, clothes dryer and washing
from a meter reader.
machine you can save on your energy bill.
• Switch to a new electricity pricing
• Use timers on appliances like dishwashers
plan and change the way you’re billed.
and pool filters, so they only run out of
peak periods.
HOW PRICING WORKS • Set your heating/cooling to a more
Once your new meter is installed, you’ll energy-efficient temperature. For winter,
be placed on a time-of-use pricing plan. aim for between 18–20°C and in summer
Time-of-use pricing plans are a way to save keep the thermostat between 23–25°C.
money by taking advantage of different
electricity prices during peak, shoulder, or
off-peak periods across the day. The timing Upgrade to a new meter at
of these pricing periods depends on whether actewagl.com.au/new-meter or
you’re a residential or business customer, call 1300 815 815
and if you’re located in the ACT or NSW.
5
5 6
6For the cost of your
daily takeaway
coffee, you get ALL
this home energy.
MOBILES PRINTER
5 full 450 pages
charges
LAPTOP
2 for
10 hours
MONITOR
10 hours
HEATING
7.5 hours
LIGHTING
3 rooms
for 4 hours
GAMING TV KETTLE COFFEE WASHING
4 hours 4 hours 6 cups 6 cups 2 loads
of tea of coffee
MICROWAVE For the complete appliance, wattage and usage time assumption and calculation
2 lunches breakdown got to: www.actewagl.com.au/beyond-energy/blog/home-usage
7
7 8
8Tips to reduce
your energy bills
• Wash your clothes in cold water. Washing Pool pumps and filters
with hot (or warm) water can increase • Set a timer so they only run when needed,
your energy costs by up to 90%. and change the timer to suit the season.
• Switch to a water-efficient shower Screens and small devices
head and make short showers a habit.
• Switch off TVs and gaming consoles at the
A typical family uses about 75% of hot
wall when not in use.
water for showers.
• Don’t leave laptops and phones attached
Giving you the power to waste less • Keep furniture away from heaters as this
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES to chargers after they’ve reached 100%.
and save more. will reduce efficiency.
• Use the ‘sleep’ function to save battery life.
The star rating found on appliances compares
• Instead of heating your bedroom, consider
Our region’s energy is an important resource their energy efficiency—more stars means less Cooking
an electric blanket or hot water bottle.
we all share. ActewAGL and our predecessors running costs. So the more stars, the better! • Heat or steam food with a microwave
have been committed to the Canberra region when possible as it uses about 80% less
COOLING Clothes dryer
for over 100 years so we understand your energy than your stove or oven.
energy needs better than most. • Keep your air conditioner set between • Clothes dryers are the fourth-biggest
23–25°C. Every degree lower can add 10% energy consumer in the home. Aim to • When cooking on the stove, put lids on
to your electricity bill. time-shift this appliance. pots to reduce energy use by up to 70%.
HEATING
• The most effective way to keep your • Dry your washing either outside in • Use appropriately sized pots with flat
Space heating accounts for more than half of the sunshine or positioned under bottoms and tight fitting lids.
home cool during the day is to stop the
your annual energy costs—so small changes ducted heating vents to avoid using
sun’s rays from hitting windows and walls. • Make sure oven doors close tightly and
here can add up to big savings. the clothes dryer.
Awnings, blinds, curtains and reflective seals are in good condition.
• Every degree you lower the thermostat window tints all help reduce the load on • If you need to use the dryer, try quick Lighting
will save up to 10% on your heating bill. your air conditioner. consecutive loads to benefit from the
• Replace halogen with LED bulbs, especially
Aim to keep the temperature set between • At night, place a fan near an open window. warmth of the previous load.
in your most frequently used areas. Quality
18°–20°C. It will blow hot air out of the room, • Add a small dry towel to your load to LED bulbs last 5–10 times longer than
• Set auto timers on your heater. By using replacing it with cold air from outside. reduce drying time by up to 25%. halogen bulbs and can save you up to 88%
your heater one hour less each day, Opening another window elsewhere will on your lighting costs.
encourage a cross breeze. • Aim to time-shift this appliance.
you’ll save up to 90 hours of heating costs
• Choose fluorescent tubes, rather than
over winter. Refrigerator/freezer
ordinary bulbs. They use a quarter of
• Minimise the space you heat. Only heat WATER HEATING • Check your temperature settings aren’t
the electricity and last around eight times
the rooms you’re using—close all doors • Reduce the temperature setting of your too low. Fridges should be 3-5°C and
longer.
to rooms such as the laundry, bathroom hot water system to 60°C (instead of freezers between -15°–-18°C. Every degree
lower uses 5% more energy. • Choose the lowest wattage bulb needed
and spare bedrooms. Keep all windows 70°–80°C) to save up to 10% on water
to light each room.
shut and check curtains are drawn to heating. If you have an instantaneous • Check that the fridge/freezer door seals
contain the heat. system, check that your thermostat is set are tight. You can check this by closing the • Install motion detectors to control lighting
no higher than 50°C. door on a piece of paper, then pulling it. If in less frequently used areas like your
• Keep more heat inside by sealing any
the paper slips out easily, then it’s time to garage and outdoor areas.
gaps and cracks around windows and • Insulate hot water tanks and pipes to limit
doors and ensure the insulation in your heat loss. replace your seals. • Clean lamps and fittings regularly as dirt
roof and walls is adequate. Ceiling batts • Getting rid of a second fridge could save reduces their lighting output.
• Ensure there are no leaks from your hot
should be about 20cm thick or R4.1 you up to $200 a year in electricity costs.
water system. • Light switch dimmers save energy and
(or above). Find out more about our Fridge Buyback can extend the life of bulbs.
• Consider upgrading your hot water Program on page 11.
• Efficient gas space heaters and reverse-
system if it’s older than 10 years. A hot • When installing lighting in a large open-
cycle air conditioners are cheaper to Dishwasher
water heat pump suitable for Canberra plan space, divide the switches into zones.
run than standard electric heaters.
winters is an excellent alternative to an • Only run your dishwasher when it’s a This way you can restrict your lighting to
While portable electric heaters may be
electric element system. Find out more full load and use the economy cycle. only the area you’re using.
inexpensive to buy, they are more costly
about our appliance upgrade offers on • Aim to time-shift this appliance.
to run. Find out about our appliance
page 11.
upgrade offers on page 11.
9 10Contact financial
support partners
Appliance Access support ACTSMART
Your one-stop-shop for ACT Government
programs and assistance that help
upgrade offers
Canberrans to save energy and water,
reduce waste and cut greenhouse gas
emissions.
From short-term support to an ongoing arrangement, 02 6234 7408 or 13 22 81
we have a range of programs to assist you through
life’s ups and downs. ENERGY SAVER NSW
Rebates and discounts for energy
efficiency programs available to NSW
We know that life doesn’t always go to plan. That’s why, in collaboration residents to help cut back on energy use
Say goodbye to power-hungry appliances. with government and local community organisations, we have a range and save on power bills.
of initiatives to assist you to keep your lights on. resourcesandenergy.nsw.gov.au
With ActewAGL Energy Saving Solutions, we can support you to upgrade your inefficient appliances,
energy-consumers/financial-
like heaters, air conditioners and hot water systems, to the latest energy-efficient models—so you’ll
get year-round comfort.
REBATES AND CONCESSIONS assistance
ActewAGL manages various rebates and concessions on behalf AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT
Not only will upgrading to a newer system reduce your power running costs, you could also get
of the ACT and NSW Governments. These include concessions DEPARTMENT OF THE
a discount off the cost and installation of your new unit and a credit on your ActewAGL quarterly
on your energy account, medical and life support rebates. If you’re ENVIRONMENT AND ENERGY
electricity bill. Plus we have interest-free, quick and convenient payment plans available for approved
a concession card holder, you may be eligible for a rebate or Practical advice for households
ActewAGL customers. and businesses to reduce your
concession. Find out more at actewagl.com.au/rebates
energy bills and learn about the
government’s priorities.
ENDING IN 2020 PAYMENT PLANS AND BILL EXTENSIONS energy.gov.au
HEATING, COOLING AND HOT
To make seasonal bills more manageable, there are a couple of
WATER UPGRADES Fridge Buyback
ENERGY RATING
things you can set up yourself at my.actewagl.com.au. Once you’ve
Upgrade from ducted gas heating to ducted Have you got an old fridge or freezer lying Information about the Equipment
logged in to your account, you can switch your payment plan to Energy Efficiency Program to standardise
reverse-cycle air conditioning around that’s on ‘The List’ for your next clean
EvenPay or request a payment extension. With EvenPay, the cost of energy efficiency ratings for appliances.
up? Not only will ditching it save you in energy
Replace your old ducted gas heater with a your annual energy bill is smoothed over smaller, predictable fortnightly
costs (up to $200 a year), through our Fridge energyrating.gov.au
highly-efficient ducted reverse-cycle system or monthly payments. Think of it as an easy, regular payment plan.
Buyback program we’ll pick it up for free, ensure
to ensure year-round comfort. You can save up You’ll always know how much you need to pay, and when.
it’s responsibly recycled and give you $30* CARE INC
to $2000* off the cost and installation of your A community organisation that ensures
credit on your ActewAGL electricity bill.
new unit and ducts plus a credit of $250* on STAYING CONNECTED PROGRAM low income consumers are treated fairly
and have support to overcome debt.
your ActewAGL quarterly electricity bill for Big Business Light Switch
Our Staying Connected program is how we work with you when 02 6257 1788 or 1800 007 007
two years.
Upgrade your business to LED lights and you’re experiencing financial hardship. Once accepted in the Staying
Upgrade from a flued gas heater to reverse- save up to 88% on your annual lighting Connected program, together we’ll develop personal and practical THE SALVATION ARMY MONEYCARE
cycle air conditioning costs. Our expert team will seamlessly swap solutions to help keep your electricity and/or gas supply connected, Qualified financial counsellors provide
your existing lights for energy efficient LED free and confidential information and
An all-in-one solution for your heating and as well as work with you to tailor a flexible payment plan that suits
support to help individuals, couples
alternatives for free*. you, because no two situations are the same. Find out more at
cooling needs. Save up to $1000* off the cost and families through a range of financial
and installation of your new unit and receive actewagl.com.au/stayingconnected situations, from helping to set up a
*ACT only. T&Cs apply - see website. budget to assisting with debt collectors
a credit of $125* on your ActewAGL quarterly and repayment plans.
electricity bill for two years. POSITIVE PARTNERSHIPS
13 72 58
Find out more about appliance We draw on the skills and experience of Care Financial, Salvation Army
Upgrade your hot water system to a
upgrade offers at actewagl.com. Moneycare, St Vincent de Paul Society, Actsmart, Lifeline, LegalAid, ST VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY
hot water heat pump
au/energysavingsolutions Domestic Violence Crisis Service, St John’s Care, Companion House An organisation that’s been providing
Hot water heat pumps use the available heat in assistance to people going through
and our partners in business to provide ongoing training and feedback. tough times in the Canberra/Goulburn
the air to heat water—even if it’s freezing outside.
region for 166 years.
They can be two to three times more efficient
than conventional water heaters. Upgrade VULNERABILITY ACTION PLAN 02 6282 2722 or 13 18 12
your water heater to an innovative Stiebel hot You can also read more about our commitment to looking out for our
water heat pump suitable for Canberra winters, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CRISIS
community and connecting with customers that need extra support
and get $750* off the cost and installation. SERVICE (DVCS)
in our Vulnerability Action Plan at actewagl.com.au/VAP DVCS provides support and advice to
victims of domestic violence, including
emotional, psychological, financial,
sexual or other types of abuse.
02 6280 0900 or
11 1800 RESPECTCustomer enquiries Call 13 14 93 Postal address ActewAGL GPO Box 366 Canberra ACT 2601 Language assistance 13 14 50 24 hours actewagl.com.au/save-energy ActewAGL Retail ABN 46 221 314 841 a partnership of AGL ACT Retail Investments Pty Ltd ABN 53 093 631 586 and Icon Retail Investments Limited ABN 23 074 371 207.
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