Release Date: 29 January 2010
Save energy, save money and save the planet. That’s the message behind Western Power’s new look summer advertising campaign, launched today (Sunday 31 January).
Western Power’s Marketing Manager, Tracey King said the ‘Power Down’ campaign reminds everyone of the need to use energy wisely, particularly during the 4-9pm peak period.
“The campaign takes a light hearted approach to a serious issue and is designed to help people find simple ways to reduce their household electricity use without changing their lifestyle,” she said.
“Between 4-9pm is when most homes are using the most power. So it’s a good time to remember the things that can be done to reduce power bills and reduce carbon emissions.
“Reducing your household electricity bill by 10 to 20 per cent can easily be achieved just by doing a few simple things.
“One of the best ways to power down in your home is controlling the temperature of your air-conditioner. Turning up your air-conditioner to 24 degrees creates a comfortable environment and can save you as much as 10 percent on the cooling costs of power bill, and your family will be helping the environment.”
While most of us like to think we are environmentally friendly, Western Australian’s are actually one of the heaviest users of electricity per capita nationally, with the demand for energy increasing by five per cent per annum over the past 10 years.
“This is largely due to an increased use of air-conditioners, which are without doubt the biggest contributor to peak electricity use during the hotter summer months,” she said.
More than 90 per cent of Perth homes are now air-conditioned and heating and cooling accounts for about 26 per cent (or approximately $91 per bill) of the average family’s household electricity bill, second only to water heating at 32 per cent.
“Using less power also has great benefits for the broader community, not only do we reduce carbon emissions, there is a reduced need for additional electricity infrastructure, ultimately saving money for all of us,” she said.
The Power Down campaign provides simple practical tips for families to reduce energy and carbon emissions and features a light-hearted 80’s style ‘rock ballads’ to help pass on those tips. This year families can also go online and take the Power Down pledge to win $2000 in energy efficient appliances from Rick Hart.
The ‘Power Down’ campaign will run from the end of January to the first week in March 2010. For more information about the campaign go to www.westernpower.com.au/powerdown
Tips to help families work together to reduce household electricity use and reduce their carbon footprint:
1. Air conditioning: Setting air-conditioners to 24 degrees Celsius or above could save you as much as 10 per cent of cooling costs. Evaporative coolers produce lower greenhouse gas emissions than refrigerated systems. Ceiling fans have the lowest emissions of all types of cooling systems. Save 291kg CO2-e by switching to a higher energy star rated model.
2. Restrict pool pump use: Unless you are swimming, avoid running your pool pump between 4pm and 9pm. Use a timer on pool pumps and reduce operation over winter. Save 245kg CO2- e and $50 per year for each hour not used.
3. Switch off: If possible turn off appliances, such as computers and televisions, at the wall. Switching off your second fridge could save $158 a year. Switching off computers could save $84 a year. Standby power can account for as much as 10 per cent of total power bills. Save 703kg CO2-e / year by turning off at the switch.
4. Water heaters: Setting the thermostat to 60 degrees Celsius will save you money and still provide a hot shower.
5. Use major appliances at bed-time: Try to avoid using appliances between 4pm and 9pm – to help smooth peak electricity use. Use washing machines, dishwashers, dryers or any major appliance in low energy use times of the day.
6. Use lower wattage globes: Fit lower wattage globes or compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) and reduce greenhouse gases by up to 75 per cent compared to incandescent lights. Replace conventional low voltage halogen down lights with LED down light kits. Over its life, each bulb you switch to CFL could save you $45 and a third of a tonne of CO2-e a year.
If you have any questions regarding this media release please email us: media@westernpower.com.au
Page update on 1 February 2010
