Electrify Everything

• Electric appliances are healthier, cheaper to run, better for the environment and essential to a comfortable, modern home.
• Safer, healthier homes and streets and lower greenhouse emissions by reducing the pollutants and particulates associated with burning fossil fuels.
• Cost savings - Australian households could save up to $4,497 per year by replacing all major household appliances with energy efficient electric appliances, purchasing an electric bike and car, and generating renewable energy through rooftop solar (Rewiring Australia, 2024).

• Cooler, quieter kitchens – by transitioning to induction cooking, excess heat and pollution from burning natural gas will be removed and extractor fans will run on lower speeds.

Already, 3026 homes in Singleton LGA are powered by solar energy (AusGrid 2023). That’s 29% of homes, and it is growing at a rate of 291 homes every year – the second fastest LGA in the Hunter Central Coast region!

Reap the benefits of free energy with a rooftop solar PV system. Solar usually pays for itself in 3-5 years.

When you are ready to upgrade your hot water system, consider an electric heat pump hot water system.

Heat pumps are the most efficient way to heat water. They use heat absorbed from the air outside to heat the water in the tank. Electric heat pumps are 3-5 times more efficient than a gas hot water heater.

An electric reverse cycle air conditioner heats your home in winter and cools it in summer.

In winter, reverse cycle air-conditioning is 3-4 times more efficient than a standard electric heater or a gas space heater

Induction cooking is faster and cheaper than the alternatives. Importantly, it saves your household from inhaling harmful asthma-causing pollutants, therefore it is the healthiest for your home and family. With induction cooking, you have greater control of the temperature range, plus it is easier to clean.

When it’s time for a new car, consider an electric car. Electric cars are quiet, non-polluting, cheap to run and need very little maintenance.

Electric and cargo bikes are a great alternative to using a car.

Looking for more quick and affordable ways to reduce your energy bills? Take our Bright Ideas Challenge!

Here we explore many tips and tricks to overhaul your relationship with electricity, where the most effective action to undertake in the first instance is to check your electricity plan to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

All electricity is the same. It doesn’t matter who you get it from, so you may as well get the cheapest rate! If you don’t shop around each year, your retailer may continue to increase your rates each year. 

Head to the Australian Government website Energy Made Easy to compare your electricity rate.

Tips:

• Make sure you enter at least four of your electricity and gas bills to ensure an accurate offer.
• Remember when you negotiate, it is all about how much you are paying per kWh and or MJ (this is most important), then the daily connection fee, and then the discounts.
• Once you find the best deal, call your current retailer to ask them to match it. If they won’t, switch to the new provider.
• Pay by direct debit and bundle your gas and electricity contracts with the one supplier and you will get the best rate.